While they have helped the local Special Olympics organization out in the past, the Voyageur Lions Club officially adopted the group as one of its dedicated causes starting this fall.
“The Special Olympics have been associated with the Lions for a while now, but we really haven’t done anything about it until now,” noted Gaby Hanzuk, who has volunteered with the Special Olympics for years as coach, community treasurer, and regional fundraiser, and last year also became a Voyageur Lion.
“They do support so many of the activities and non-profit groups here in Fort Frances, I think it was a natural thing for them to take on Special Olympics as one of the many projects they sponsor,” she said.
Hanzuk also noted the partnership should help make people more aware of both Special Olympics and the Voyageur Lions Club.
She recalled the relationship first started a couple of years ago when Lion John Rafferty raised funds for the Special Olympics as a jumper in the annual “Polar Plunge.”
Then Hanzuk became a Lion last year, and encouraged her fellow Lions to take it to a new level.
Some Voyageur Lions dropped by Plaza Lanes last Tuesday afternoon to meet local Special Olympians, who were starting their bowling season.
“We felt this was a really good time. It’s the beginning of the year for the Voyageur Lions and also the beginning of the Special Olympics season,” said Hanzuk.
“We thought, ‘What a great time to kick it off with a program with the majority of the athletes in it,’” she added. “There’s probably around 25-30 ‘High Pinners.’”
Hanzuk said the local Special Olympics group only has limited access to funds, and now that they can’t run bingos, their only fundraiser is the Law Enforcement Torch Run each summer.
“Now we have to go out in the community and find ways to fundraise for our guys, for their sports programs, for their trips,” Hanzuk explained. “We try to absorb as much of their costs as we can.
“To do that, we have to look for other means of getting money, and the Lions have generously offered to take us on.”
She noted extra funds would be used to help pay for everything from registration fees to uniforms to travel costs.
“When we have a regional competition, it’s quite costly. It’s about $100 registration fee per athlete,” said Hanzuk. “That covers their room for two nights, the sport that their in, their meals.
“A hundred dollars actually does cover quite a bit, but there’s the travel issue. I think we’re looking for help in that way.”
She noted the travel expenses get even higher when local Special Olympians have to travel to provincial competitions, or even further abroad if they qualify.
Hanzuk noted local Special Olympians are very active, and participate in different sports for different seasons. Right now, five-pin bowling and swimming are underway.
Then once the snow falls, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and speed skating will start up.
In the summer, the sports include softball, track and field, and rhythmic gymnastics.
Hanzuk said there are about 40 active Special Olympians in Fort Frances, as well as eight active coaches and at least 10-15 casual volunteers who come out and help in various capacities, especially when Fort Frances hosts regional meets.
Fundraisers for the Voyageur Lions in coming months include a reading of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” on Sunday, Nov. 25 and the annual “Polar Plunge” on New Year’s Day.
Fort Frances Times
Local News from Across the Rainy River District
