The Rotary Club of Tsawwassen is supporting Special Olympics B.C.'s Draft an Athlete campaign by helping Delta athlete Madeleine Wieczorek realize her dream of competing in rhythmic gymnastics at the Special Olympics Canada 2014 Summer Games.
Through the program, donors help give athletes the life-changing experience of competing at Special Olympics Games. As the athletes courageously strive for athletic glory, they will forge lasting friendships, develop self-confidence, take pride in their performances and show the country they can and will succeed both on and off the playing field.
Donors help cover the costs for Team B.C. athletes to compete in the 2014 National Games at UBC's Vancouver campus in July.
The Rotary Club of Tsawwassen has donated $1,000 to Wieczorek, who was presented with a cheque in a ceremony at the club's meeting last month. After being introduced by Special Olympics B.C. chair Pam Keith, Wieczorek gave a speech that was a highlight of the event.
"Rotary has five main avenues of service, with Rotary's youth programs providing young people an opportunity to develop their character and embrace new experiences, and we feel that Special Olympics B.C. is an ideal organization to receive our support," says John Charbonneau,
Rotary Foundation director of the Rotary Club of Tsawwassen.
Rotary International, which is the first worldwide service club of its kind, has been involved in local fundraising efforts with the Delta Police Department for several years. The Delta police, staunch supporters of Special Olympics athletes, are spearheading efforts to draft athletes in the community, and invited the Rotary Club of Tsawwassen to get involved.
Wieczorek, who has been a Special Olympics athlete for 10 years, won six medals at the 2013 Special Olympics B.C. Summer Games in Langley, including three golds, to earn a spot on Team B.C..
