It was a workout, fundraiser, and a chance to meet Special Olympic skier Philip Mullen. Sparwood’s Living Fit Studio hosted a bootcamp Thursday night in an effort to raise funds for Mullen and his family, as they prepare to head to South Korea in February for the Special Olympic Games.
A skier with the Special Olympics since he was just nine years old, Mullen is working with personal trainer, Rosa Gilmar, at Living Fit Studio to train for the 2013 games. Gilmar put on the fundraiser as a way to give people of all fitness levels the chance to meet, and work out, with Mullen. All that was required was a $20 donation that will go towards travel expenses for Mullen’s parents.
“I think it went really well. The numbers that we had expected showed up, and I was pleased that the weather was really on our side. I’m really thankful for all the help that I had. There were a few girls that really helped out, and of course I’m thankful for all the support from the community,” said Gilmar. “It wasn’t just our community, there was people from Fernie and Elkford as well. It was really awesome to see that. I think it’s really cool that we can all be united in these smaller communities.”
The donations added up to a total of $780, which Gilmar said is a good start to helping Mullen’s parents take the trip to South Korea with their son. Gilmar commented, “Over all, I was thrilled. Everyone was very generous, and I think it gave people a little taste of how we train.”
Mullen will continue to train three times a week with Gilmar as he gets ready for the upcoming games. Anyone interested in donating to Mullen and his family can stop by Living Fit Studio to drop off a contribution of any amount.