The Bow Valley Special Olympics Program is appealing to the public to help them win a $5000 grant.

CIR Realty is providing four grant opportunities as part of their 'In My Backyard' contest which supports different community projects and initiatives.

Stacy Ewing, a realtor with CIR, says the contest is open until October 5th and there are grant opportunities equating to $20,000.  "CIR is very open to community building. There are four different categories that people can nominate themselves or a charity for; those categories are a Registered/Non- Profit Charitable Organization, Community Association, Youth Extracurricular, and the forth is the Local Sustainability Conservation grant."

Although, Ewing, represents CIR she says seeing organizations such as Bow Valley Special Olympics enter the contest warms her heart. Before venturing into the world of real estate, Ewing worked and supported special needs children. "Through experience working with children with special needs, I can really attest to how an organization like the Special Olympics is so valuable to children, youth and adults who can all participate. It is a fantastic way for people with disabilities to gain self-esteem and independence."

Shawn Jesse, the dad of local athlete Brock Jesse, as well as, Head Coach/ Director for Special Olympics Canada says the grant money would be an incredible kick-start to the Bow Valley Program. "As a newly formed community program our needs are high and our resources are low. We are trying to raise money for facility use and a modest training budget." 

With fundraising initiatives just beginning, Jesse, shares they are extremely passionate about increasing programs and supporting our local athletes as best they can. "We have four athletes going to Provincials this year and we are hoping to raise enough money for fees and uniforms. We hope to expand our skiing program to new athletes and add additional Special Olympic sports to our community program."

As an organization, Special Olympics relies on grants, community partnerships, and donations to help get one more athlete onto the playing field.

The Bow Valley Special Olympics Program is entered in the Youth Extracurricular category found HERE and you can only vote once and for one charity. "They will register the email address each time a member from the public votes. It is not something people can set up on their computers so multiple votes are coming in, so each vote truly counts."

The four $5000 contest winners will be announced on October 8th.  If you would like to enter or learn more details about the In My Backyard Contest, go HERE.