HAZELTON CUPE 113 has put their spirit and financial support behind a members daughter, Lyndsay Belisle, a 26-year old competitor in the summer Olympics in Athens, Greece.
As part of Lyndsays training program, the Canadian Amateur Wrestling Association is funding her trip to the Olympics. But Lyndsay and her family have been fundraising in the community to support her during these months that she will be unable to work due to intense all-day training.
Its a long road to the Olympics, said CUPE 113 President Mario Castelli. We are proud of her as an athlete, as a member of our community and a Canadian, and as the daughter of a CUPE member. Lyndsay is a six-time national champion and winner of the 2003 World Cup wrestling gold medal.
We wanted to show Lyndsay that she has our support.
CUPE113 members voted at their general membership meeting to donate $250 towards Lyndsays Olympic dream and to ask their employer, Farwest/Coastal Bus Lines, to match it. Farwest/Coastal agreed, and they presented Lyndsay with a $500 cheque last week.
Lyndsay will be breaking new ground in Athens and well be with her every step of the way. This is the first time in the games history that women will wrestle for the Olympic gold. Womens freestyle wrestling was the only new event added to the Olympic schedule for Athens.
Lyndsay Belisle is from Hazelton, BC. She will be participating in the Olympic opening ceremonies on August 13th and competes on August 23rd at 9am in the 48kg womens freestyle wrestling elimination round. For more information about Lyndsay, including a copy of her biography, please visit:http://egan-1.tripod.com/index.html
CUPE 113 represents about 100 bus drivers at Farwest/Coastal Bus Lines that cover the vast territory between Prince Rupert and Smithers.
Contact:
Mario Castelli
President, CUPE Local 113
(250) 622-8542
Diane Kalen
CUPE Communications
(778) 229-0258