Garage Gym hosts fundraiser for LaSalle-Windsor Special Olympics

Event was held to help Special Olympians acquire new uniforms for upcoming competition

Special Olympics, with the Special Olympians including some Amherstburg athletes. Cheering crowds packed into the gym where they motivated lifters into demonstrating their lifting abilities, some deadlifting over 400 pounds.

“They need to raise money for new uniforms,” explained Garage Gym co-owner Tony Smith. “We thought we could help. They worked so hard.”

A total of 16 Special Olympic athletes took part in the “Special Lift,” which was a fundraiser rather than a sanctioned competition. The group is preparing for an upcoming competitive lift, but Smith said the Garage Gym held last Friday night’s event as a way to give back.

It was a good feeling to know they were giving back to the LaSalle-Windsor Special Olympic athletes, Smith stated. He added they obtained a liquor license for the event and that allowed for Muscedere Vineyards and G.L. Heritage Brewing Co. to serve beverages.

One hundred per cent of the proceeds go to the LaSalle-Windsor Special Olympics, he added.

Cealia Gagnon, a coach with the local Special Olympics, said they were thrilled with the support and are thankful to the Garage Gym for presenting the fundraising “Special Lift.”

“I’m so excited,” said Gagnon.

Gagnon said Garage Gym has always been supportive. She added the courage of the athletes shone through again during the “Special Lift.”

“I couldn’t be more proud of our athletes,” she said. “We’re so proud of them, no matter what.”

By Ron Giofu

Strength was shown at the Garage Gym last Friday night in more ways than one.

An event dubbed the “Special Lift” raised over $3,000 for the LaSalle-Windsor

The COVID-19 pandemic was difficult for the athletes as it was for every other person, Gagnon added, and it is nice to be able to get out and compete once again. She added they train once a week for 90 minutes at the Border City Boxing Club in Windsor during their eight-month program.

Many of the athletes participate in multiple sports with the Special Olympics, said Gagnon, but Wednesday nights are dedicated to powerlifting.