On October 14 at 6 p.m. a spaghetti fundraiser dinner and silent auction will be held at the Akisqnuk First Nation Band Hall for Akisqnuk First Nation member and Canadian National Snowboard B Team member Faro Burgoyne. Donations will also be collected.
Canadian National Snowboard B Team alumni include past Olympic medalists and champion snowboard racers.
You are encouraged to come and help this young man and member of the Akisqnuk First Nation community raise a part of the $20,000 it will cost this year to travel to races across North America and one in Europe.
Meals will cost $8 per plate.
Burgoyne’s coach, Mark Ballard, said the following about his abilities: “Faro’s strengths are numerous. If you have met him, you will notice he is tall and big. Awesome qualities for a snowboard racer. In addition, I have never met a person of his stature that is so agile and athletic. I believe with the right support in place, programming, and financial support he can accomplish great things in racing.”
Burgoyne had some really great results last year, including a sixth place finish in the parallel giant slalom at the Canada Games.
He is excited to face the upcoming snow season.
“Last year was a great learning experience for me. I was introduced to the world of competitive snowboarding which is a year-round commitment,” he said.
“Everyone on my team, including myself, put 100 per cent of our money, time, and effort into it, whether it’s on snow, in the gym, fundraising, or simply working so we can afford to compete.”
Burgoyne competes in both the parallel giant slalom and snowboard cross disciplines.
“Parallel giant slalom is like ski racing through a gated course versus an opponent,” he explained. “Snowboard cross is almost completely a different sport. We use different kinds of boards, boots, and bindings and four people race down a course with berms, jumps, and other obstacles. Both are World Cup and Olympic Events.”
Money raised for Burgoyne will go toward his coaching fees, race equipment, travel, lodging, and accommodations while he is living and training in Calgary.