Posted: July 8, 2004

Olympics: Canadian Athletes In Need of Financial Support

From the "See You In Athens" Fund:

The See You In Athens fund needs $225, 000 to clear our "FINAL" waiting list...here are some reasons why!!!

Jane Roos

From Jo Kelly: Wheel Chair Basketball

“Hope you are doing well. I'm not sure if you are aware of my current situation, so here's a quick update! I was named as an alternate for the basketball team at our tryouts in May. Now, it looks likely that I may be called up to play, due to an injury incurred by one of my teammates. As an alternate, one of the requirements for me to keep my status is to attend the Toronto event coming up in the next couple of weeks. We have a camp, the Spitfire Tournament and following that, the 1st ever Canada Cup.

I spoke to my coach, Tim Frick today, and explained to him that I am having severe financial difficulties since losing my AAP card. My bottom line right now is that without some financial support, I may have to completely drop out of the program. This would be very disappointing, especially considering that there is now a chance for me to attend the Athens games. “

From John Curtis: Sailing

“Now that we are going to the Games, the money has not begun to pour in as we had hoped. We found out about our selection on June 23rd while we were in Europe at a competition so we are only now starting to fundraise. We only have about 15 days left at home before we go to the Games. No much time to raise the nearly $30,000 we expect to need that is over and above what we expect from the Canadian Yachting Association and other sources (RCYC, etc.)”

Is there any additional funding available from your organization?

From Iain Brambell: Rowing

“I'm not an overly pushy person and I am not one to beg for more. However, I am like any other athlete training to represent Canada in Athens. As many athletes I have put my career on hold to pursue my goal of representing Canada at my second Olympic Games. My career is a Teacher, as I have spent the last eight years on the National Rowing Team, I have only managed to work as a Teacher on Call (during the first 2 years of the quadrennial). Therefore when I return from Athens I won't have a job waiting for me. I will be returning as an unemployed rower, this is why I email you today. I am not an athlete that wants to beg for your support however, given the circumstances I must again ask what the status is of my application?”

Email From Mark Begg: Paralympic Cyclist

“ Hello, My name is Mark Beggs and I have been selected as a participant for the 2004 Paralympic games in Athens. I am the only Canadian participating in the discipline of Hand cycling, which is making its 1st appearance at the Games.

wanted to know if there is still the opportunity of financial support? I have to change my bicycle, in order to be more competitive. The cost of this new bike is $6000. The Games are fast approaching and I am in grave need of funding. I've attached my athlete portfolio.

Thank you.”

Email From Tamas & Attila ( 3 time Olympians) Canoe/Kayak

I>"Well we are home from Florida and that 10 weeks really did go by fast. We had great training down there and things are getting very excited. Our Olympic team trials is coming up in two weeks, (may 15, 16) in Montreal, and after that we are Europe bound. I am not sure when and for how long we are going to be home with our in and out travelling of the country, but we will try to support seeyouin athens as much as possible.

We do need some extra help for this year.....I know you know that we have to put everything into this year and this is the last push for the Games. You have been with us for the last Games and helped out soo much in these last 4 years. We know that with out your help we would not be where we are now. But we need your help now more then ever. We need financial help. Ati and I are both in over our heads with money that we owe, and with everything going on its hard to manage to stay focused. "

About the See You In Athens Fund

Currently 70% of Canada’s amateur athletes live below the poverty line.* The number is staggering and real. In the four years leading up to the games, most athletes cannot afford proper training, coaching, nutrition or basic living expenses. The See You In Athens Fund will support those athletes whose dreams and goals of winning gold can be realized through our efforts.

The See You In Athens Fund lives and breathes to further strengthen our Canadian pride in our heroes – namely our athletes. Without those men and women who strive for excellence in amateur sport, there would be no 'flag waving' at international competitions.

Visit the website at: www.seeyouinathens.com.