Canada’s elite athletes from our own back yard are in need of financial assistance.
Summerland has been home to many Olympic athletes over the years.
Names such as Bruce Mandeville, Justin Kripps, Kristi Richards and Stephanie Rhodes-Bosch have all represented Canada at the Olympic games or World Championships in their respective sports.
Their success comes with years of great sacrifice dedication and hard work.
Many enjoyed the thrill and excitement of the Vancouver 2010 Olympics. It was a thrill to watch whether one was lucky enough to be in Vancouver, or from at home in Summerland.
With less than two years until the next Olympic adventure for Canada’s athletes, London 2012, Canadian athletes need the support of their home communities as well as that of all of Canada.
More than 80 per cent of Canada’s Vancouver athletes received funding from a fantastic organization called Canadian Athletes Now or Can Fund.
Summerland’s Justin Kripps was among those athletes supported.
This not for profit, charitable organization has been devoted to raising funds and awareness for Canada’s athletes since 1997.
They are entering the final days of their ”Athlete Holiday Drive,” you can visit their website to learn more about how you can be a part of this journey for the London 2012 Olympic hopefuls, www.canadianathletesnow.ca/about-us/mission-statement.html.
Stephanie Rhodes-Bosch is one of those athletes.
She and her teammates earned Canada a silver medal at the World Equestrian Championships last fall and hence, are qualified to compete at the London Olympics.
Rhodes-Bosch is a Can Fund athlete, having received funding last year leading up to the World Championships, this funding is instrumental in helping athletes achieve their goals.
She and her teammates will be honored in Ottawa later this month at the Equine Canada annual awards convention and gala.
For the first time in history, a team has been given the distinction of being named Canada’s Equestrian of the Year, it will also mark the first time a rider in her discipline of eventing has been awarded this honor.
Rhodes-Bosch is grateful for all the support from home she received on her journey to the World Championships are encourages others to be a part of the journey to London for all of Canada’s athletes.
All donations to Can Fund over $25 are eligible for a tax receipt.
Follow Rhodes-Bosch’s journey to London on her website www.stephanie-rhodes-bosch.com.