The Rotary Club is going above its original financial commitment in assisting in the construction of the Drumheller skateboard park. Initially, the club set out to raise $15,000 for this project. Rotarian Sylvia Adams then proposed the idea of challenging the public to match this amount, thus doubling the original donation to D.A.S.E (Drumheller Association of Skateboarding Enthusiasts).

“The people of the Drumheller community and surrounding area accepted the challenge,” says Adams. “They went to the Rotary Club site on Youcaring and contributed $15,638.”

In commenting on the community and area support Scott Kuntz, Rotary President, commends citizens for their interest and support. “People not only came forward to match funds raised by the club but also showed wonderful support for our recent White Elephant sale. A portion of the proceeds from the sale helped go towards our initial total of $15,000. The club is happy that this worthy venture has met with such success. We look forward to the skateboard park becoming another valuable addition for our citizens.”

The Rotary commitment is now increased to $15,638 to match the public support through Youcaring of $15,638. The end result: D.A.S.E. will now receive $31,276 - a good news story on how to more than double the money.

Winning Athlete of the Year awards is an achievement but being named winners in the very first year is something special. A panel of anonymous judges made the selection from nominations received from the public.
    Sam Brown will recieve the Male Athlete Award during the Rotary Club’s Celebration of Excellence presented by Canalta on Saturday, June 6 at the Badlands Community Facility. A student at the Drumheller Valley Secondary School, Brown started the year by participating in cross country and winning the right to compete at the Provincial Cross Country Meet in October. He was one of the starters on the varsity DVSS high school basketball team, receiving an All Star award at the Strathmore Basketball Tournament.  He also advanced to the Zone Level Badminton Tourney and is currently participating on the DVSS Track and Field Team and last year competed in the provincial 3000 m race. He competes in marathons and consistently finished in the top ten of his age category. Sam also participates in distance triathlons that involve a 1500 m swim, a 40 km bike ride and a 10 km run.
    Carmanah Olbrich is Drumheller’s Female Athlete of the Year. This 15-year-old is keenly involved in soccer, cross country running, volleyball and badminton. She helps coach younger children learning the game of soccer and recently completed a course to become a referee.  Carmanah is a member of the Alpine Club of Canada. Her feats in the past two years include climbing three mountains - Abbot Pass (9598 feet), the Tower of Babe (7290 feet) and the Middle Sister in Banff (9086 feet).
      The Athlete of the Year awards will be presented June 6, commencing at 5:30 pm. Tickets may be picked up at SJ Fashions, or by calling Helen Peers at 403-823-3578.