Fundraiser launched

SOPEI aims for $25,000 to fund athletes’ journeys to national Games

Special Olympics P.E.I. (SOPEI) has launched Team P.E.I. 2018 draft an athlete fundraising campaign ahead of the 2018 five-pin bowling championships and 2018 national Summer Games.

SOPEI’s goal is to raise $25,000. The Team P.E.I. draft an athlete program allows supporters of the Special Olympics movement to fund an athlete’s journey to the national Games.

Sponsorship through the program showcases support for SOPEI athletes from Island communities and will help offset the cost of these Games. Businesses and employees can pledge to draft a Team P.E.I. athlete by holding internal fundraisers or by making a corporate donation.

Through competition, athletes gain self-esteem, confidence and strength, which benefit all aspects of their lives. By supporting the program, athletes get the full national Games experience, including staying in an athletes village, participating in opening and closing ceremonies, competing in high-calibre athletic venues with qualified officials, accessing social and healthy athletes events and gained memories that will last a lifetime.

The cost is $850, which represents about half of the cost of sending one athlete to national Games.

The national Summer Games are July 31-Aug. 4 in Antigonish, N.S.

Charlottetown hosts the national five-pin bowling championship May 14-20, while Summerside and Tyne Valley host the national 10-pin bowling championships May 14-20.

For more information or to support the program, contact SOPEI at 902-368-8919 or sarah@sopei.com.