A local athlete is looking to own the podium, but before he can even get to the start gate he has to raise some funds for those dreams.
On June 23 at the Columbus Community Centre, a dinner and auction will be held to get Gavin Rowell set for the upcoming season of training and racing.
Rowell is one of this country's top contenders in ski cross, one of the most exciting of the downhill skiing set of sports.
His highlights from the past season included winning the Canadian/NorAm ski cross championship at Sunshine Village in April, after winning silver in the men's FIS freestyle ski cross world junior championship held in March in Reiteralm, Austria.
"After a very successful past season, Gavin is looking forward to competing in races around the world," said a statement from his local support team.
"From the small beginnings at Hart Ski Hill to the world podium, Gavin has worked to achieve results. Let's join together and continue to show our support in making this season the best ever."
Tickets are $30 for adults and $15 for children under 12.
Dinner will include a delicious meal, coffee, tea, and dessert.
There will be a silent auction full of exciting items.
"He spent last year racing in USA and in Europe," said his support team. "He lives full time in Calgary to train at the Olympic Park. Ultimately his goal will be the Olympics possibly in 2022 but he has to make it there which requires lots of races around the globe."
Anyone with a silent auction item to add to the evening, or cash donation, please email rowellaudrey@gmail.com or send a message on Facebook at the event page titled To The Start Gate Fundraiser.
Alpine Canada explained that Ski Cross is an "action-packed and adrenaline-fueled sport" that made its Olympic debut as a medal sport at the 2010 Winter Games in Vancouver-Whistler.
"Prior to the Olympics, ski cross had already established itself as a hugely popular TV sport thanks to events such as the X-Games," said Alpine Canada.
"While ski cross is still young, Canada has a rich history of success in the sport. Since 2009, Canada has been viewed as one of the strongest ski cross nations in the world, racking up 137 World Cup medals, six World Championship medals, 15 X-Games medals and 3 Olympics medals."
