By Patrick Burles - @PatrickBurles on Twitter

‘Lunch with an Olympian’ contest opens to local youth

Nov 15, 2016 | 10:14 AM

LETHBRIDGE – A few lucky teens will be getting an opportunity through a new contest to meet their hero, thanks to the generosity of a local man and help from the Lethbridge Sport Council.

Allan Friesen purchased a package at the Rotary Club ‘Back in Black’ silent auction fundraiser, which included a lunch at Miro Bistro with Lethbridge Olympian, Ashley Steacy. She recently brought home a bronze medal in women’s rugby from the Rio Olympics.

While he was excited by the prospect, he decided the opportunity would be even better for youth in the community, giving them a chance to meet an important role model.

“For me, I’m never going to the Olympics, but there could be another person from Lethbridge, a young person from Lethbridge, who will,” stated Friesen. “I thought, well that may be just the thing that is going to change their life and in four years, or six years, or 10 years we’re going to hear their story.”

Laughing, Friesen added that it was a decision he’s very happy to stand behind.

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“It’s great, you know, I got a hug from Ashley so I’m all good now, that was worth the price.”

Coming off an incredible experience representing her country in Brazil, Steacy said she’s looking forward to the lunch as well.

“I’m excited to be able to connect with the kids,” Steacy explained. “Everything else has been a bit more me talking to people and I’m excited to talk with people, especially the young kids, and have a conversation and answer their questions, whatever they’re curious about, with my journey and what I’ve gone through and what it takes to be an Olympian.

“Hopefully it can be an inspiration to them, that I was once in their shoes in junior high and high school, and aspired to compete on the national team, and it’s become a reality for me, so it’s really exciting to be able to share that with young kids,” Steacy added.

The contest is for youth between the ages of 13 and 17, with three winners being selected at random. Each winner will also be able to bring a friend to the lunch on December 9.

Teens can enter by filling out an online form, with the deadline to enter set on November 30.

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