Community rallies for local athlete

News — 15 February 2011

Local athlete, 17-year old Candace Glowa, was chosen to compete in the Canada Games competition in Halifax. Due to financial constrictions, it was looking like she may not be able to make the trip to represent the country in the Biathlon.

Following a declined funding application, Candace’s mother, Shelley, turned to Andi Kidd at the Dryden Recreation Complex, who helped rally tremendous support for the young athlete.

With the assistance of Dryden Police Services Chief, Shayne MacKinnon making some calls, the Dryden Gun Club, and various community organizations and members, over $1,800 was raised to send Candace to Halifax for the competition.

Focused on Shelley, MacKinnon said, “Your only job with Candace is worrying about how she’s doing in the event, rather than how she’s getting to the event.”

“I never thought I’d be here. I remember when I started biathlon with cadets, I was 12, and in my second year they were talking about the Winter Games and I thought, wow, that’s so big; that’s such a big deal,” confided Candace.

The biathlon consists of skiing and shooting, with Candace being a member of the air cadets in Vermilion Bay as well as the Junior Shooters Club. Opening ceremonies began on Friday, February 11 and Candace competes Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday the following week. Training will take place each day in between.

In response to the support rallied for the athlete, Candace said, “I really appreciate it. Thank you so much. I sure wasn’t expecting this, and I don’t even know how to say thank you.”

Shelley said the support through the years from the community has been great. Shelley commented that places like the Dryden Ski Hill have made things a little easier, allowing Candace to trade in her outgrown equipment on new equipment at very reasonable costs.

“The Gun Club stepped forward with a donation from the Club, and we also petitioned our membership for support and that’s where funds were forthcoming in a very heartwarming way,” said Dryden Gun Club’s Brian Buffet. “That (the donations) came from a variety of sources, not just from the Rifle Club. I have to give the membership of the Masonic Lodge a huge round of applause for their support.”

By Ally Dunham

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