After more than a month, the “You’ve Been Flocked” fundraiser in support of Saugeen Shores athletes travelling to the World Lifesaving Championships has come to a close.
Youth National Team members Jie-Lynn Barrett, Aurora Jacobi, and Eithan Alpaugh would like to express their gratitude to all the individuals and businesses that generously donated on their road to Worlds. The success of this fundraiser is a testament to our amazing community’s commitment for supporting their youth.
Jie-Lynn, Aurora, and Eithan were truly touched by the generosity they experienced as they moved flocks of flamingos to 73 locations throughout the town of Saugeen Shores. Donations large and small amounted to more than $7,500 which will be shared by all three athletes to help cover the expense of their trip.
The Last Roostings for the Flamingos
For larger view, Click on Image
Although recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), Lifesaving Sport is yet to be funded for Canadian National level athletes. Therefore, youth and their families are left to cover the cost of their training, equipment and travel. The funds raised during the ‘flamingo’ event will help to offset some of these costs as athletes head to Italy for the World’s international competition on September 18th, 2022.
The sport of Lifesaving is broken up into pool and surf (ocean) events. Although also competing in pool events, all three Saugeen Shores athletes were named specifically as ‘surf athletes’ and will focus their skills on ocean events including surf ski, open water swimming, and board race. These are highly specialized skills involving surf craft unique to Lifesaving Sport in addition to higher level training in swimming.
Jie-Lynn, Aurora, and Eithan would like to thank their coaches and teammates who have guided, encouraged, and supported them over the years. A special thanks goes to coaches Michael Hundt, Tessa Alpaugh, and Karen Gill (SSLC), as well as Jeff Horesman and Jeff Budau (Breakers Swim Team) who have dedicated countless hours on the beach and pool deck to young athletes. These individuals have been integral in the development of resilient high level athletes at all levels of Lifesaving and competitive swimming, and must be recognized for their support and encouragement over the years.
It should be mentioned that Saugeen Shores is a community that has produced several National level Lifesaving athletes over the years. Although our flocks have officially retired, they will be making a few more stops at the homes of former National Team athletes in honour of their past achievements and contributions to the sport. Lifesaving sport is truly a community in which experienced athletes mentor younger athletes. Without exception, every past and present Saugeen Shores National team member has been a coach and mentor to younger athletes. They should, and deserve, to be recognized for their hard work and dedication.
Thank you Saugeen Shores for your support, and see you in Riccione, Italy in just under one week.
