TORONTO, ON – Special Olympic Ontario is proud to announce the return of the 24h BLUE MTN fundraiser, presented by Freedom 55 Financial, from February 23-24, 2019 at the Blue Mountain resort in Collingwood.
The event features 24 hours of relay skiing and a new component of walking and running in support of Special Olympics Ontario and the Collingwood General & Marine Hospital Foundation. Last year’s event raised $64,000.
“At Freedom 55 Financial, we believe in supporting the communities where we live and work,” says Abbie MacMillan, Vice-President, Freedom 55 Financial. “We’re excited to return as presenting sponsor for 24h BLUE MTN again this year and are so grateful for the opportunity to help make a difference in the lives of Canadians.”
Hosted at Ontario’s premier ski resort, 24h BLUE MTN promises to be a bigger and better event in 2019. The fun starts at 12 p.m. on February 23, as teams comprised of five to 10 participants challenge each other over the 24-hour event.
A walk/run component will be added for those who would like to participate in the 24-hour event but may not be skiers or snowboarders. The walk/run will take place on site at the Monterra Golf course on a groomed four-kilometre trail.
“I can’t think of a better way to celebrate our 50th anniversary than to have the return of the 24h BLUE MTN event,” said Glenn MacDonell, President and CEO of Special Olympics Ontario. “The inaugural event last year was a huge success and I know that this event is going to continue to grow every year.”
Mr. MacDonell was also pleased to see Brian Stemmle, a four-time Olympic skier, return as an ambassador for the 24h BLUE MTN event. Mr. Stemmle has been a Special Olympics ambassador for the past 25 years.
“It is truly an honour to be back at the 24h BLUE MTN event,” said Mr. Stemmle, who flew back last year from the Winter Olympics in PyeongChang, South Korea to be the ambassador for the inaugural event. “Special Olympics is near and dear to my heart, and I know this event has a really bright future… I just see it getting bigger and better each year.”
Companies and individuals are invited to register as part of a team to ski, snowboard, walk or run and begin fundraising for this exciting event. Supporters will also be able to make donations online at 24hbluemtn.ca.
Date: February 23-24, 2019 (24 hours)
Location: Blue Mountain, Collingwood
Start Time: 12 p.m. February 23
About Special Olympics Ontario
Special Olympics Ontario is part of a dynamic worldwide charitable organization dedicated to promoting a more active and better quality of life for people with an intellectual disability. Through sport, the organization is building communities of acceptance and inclusion for all people.
About Collingwood General & Marine Hospital Foundation
Serving the Georgian Triangle, Collingwood General & Marine Hospital Foundation is an acute care hospital providing emergency care, diagnostic services including lab, imaging and cardio respiratory therapy, as well as two inpatient units (medicine and surgery). In addition, CGMH also provides care in specialty areas including obstetrics, orthopedics, intensive care, and surgery, as well as providing outpatient care, dialysis and a wide range of clinics including mental health and rehabilitation services.
About Freedom 55 Financial
Founded in London, ON., in 1874, London Life offers Canadians financial security advice and planning through its Freedom 55 Financial division. Our financial security advisors help clients identify their financial security needs and establish a personal financial security plan to help them reach their goals. For more information, visit Freedom55Financial.com.