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Gordy Savela finished his 300-mile run across Northern Minnesota to promote the sport of Junior Curling and to encourage young people to pursue more active lifestyles. The 11 marathons started in Fargo/Moorhead and passes through Detroit Lakes, Park Rapids, Grand Rapids, Hibbing, Virginia and finished in Duluth tomorrow. Check out the PHOTOS to see where he has been. Savela, an active curler and the father of three junior curlers, hopes to use the run to inform the general public about the opportunities that curling affords young people and to raise money to support junior curling programs. “I think curling is a great way for young people to get some physical activity and have a lot of fun. And judging from the last Olympics, Minnesota seems to be producing some pretty good curlers,” Savela said. The official corporate sponsor of the run is "OH FOR SMART", a northern Minnesota movement that promotes a healthy way to lose weight and get in shape. | ||||
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OFFICIAL NOTICE BY THE "OH FOR SMART" HEALTH AND SAFETY OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE May 28, 2006 Due to the extreme heat wave that hit Northern Minnesota during Memorial weekend, for the well-being of the runner (Gordy Savela), it has been decided that RunXMN will cover 300 miles as in 11 marathons in 12 days. | ||
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HONOR ROLL OF PLEDGES Grand Rapids Centenial Rotary Club The Medicine Shoppe Pharmacy of Grand Rapids Northern Lights Casino of Walker Lime Valley Advertising of Mankato Kelzer Electrical Wiring Des Bill "Duke" Dotlich, Realtor, MN Blue Water Properties and the many people who have made private donations. | ||
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MEDIA COVERAGE | ||
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MORE INFO
Running Across Minnesota to Support Junior Curling WHAT IS THIS ALL ABOUT? My name is Gordy Savela and I’m a member of the Itasca Curling Club in Grand Rapids. I’m also a distance runner and the father of two Junior Curlers. Since I got involved in Junior Curling I’ve become aware of the loss of some Jr. programs and financial hardship at others around the state, so I want to help. The curling promotion/fundraiser that you are invited to participate in is to partner in run across the state of Minnesota while "connecting the dots" of many Minnesota curling clubs. The major goal of the run is to increase public awareness of the sport that we love. Pledges and donations will also be accepted with all of the money distributed to Junior clubs around the state. I am running right now and plan to get to Grand Rapids on May 25 and cross the finish line in Duluth on June 1. A "Southern Leg" hitting Alexandria, Wilmar, Redwood Falls, Mapleton, Mankato, Owatonna, and St. Paul is on the drawing board for 2007. (X Wisconsin in 2008?) I started the run at the Fargo-Moorhead club and have stopped at or will stop at Detroit Lakes, Itasca, Hibbing, Chisholm, Buhl, and Curl Mesabi, with the big finish at the Duluth Club. This run will be approximately 300 miles and will require about 12 days of running. Arrival times at local clubs will be coordinated with local curling club members so I can meet some Juniors out at your club and talk with the local press. The run is scheduled to occur from May 19-31, depending on weather conditions and injuries. The running will take 4-7 hours per day. The remaining time will involve some promotional work through local cafes, newspapers, and television. To increase exposure I am carrying a genuine hi-tech broom, but no rocks. See the photos above.
HOW YOU CAN HELP: I am asking for your support and participation in this event. It would be great to have lots of enthusiastic people at each club when I arrive and if you have any connections with your local media, please get them to cover it. Individually we can make minor contributions to our local clubs. Together we can do something GREAT for the present and future of Minnesota Curling. This idea was originally conceived to raise money for the Itasca Jr. program, but I know there’s a need at every club. Therefore, we will share the wealth: 10% of your contribution will go to the Itasca Junior Curling Program and 90% will go to the Junior program of your choice. Donations will be sent to your local club and 10% will then be sent to Itasca. There must be 5000 curlers out there willing to help out our Junior curlers. Just think: If each curler pledges just a penny per mile we could put together over $17,000! With corporate sponsorships like our official sponsor OH FOR SMART, the potential is very significant. Interested members can also help by offering logistical support out on the road. I’ll need help getting some restaurant and hotel gift certificates in your towns as ALL the money donated goes to Junior Curling, I am covering all my expenses. Anyone with fundraising experience is welcome to develop their own ideas like spaghetti dinners.
WHERE THE MONEY WILL GO: 90% goes to the local curling club of your choice and 10% goes to Itasca Junior Curling Program. ALL of the money that is raised will go to Junior Curling. I will be paying my own way. Donations could be used by local clubs for: Establishment or rejuvenation of Junior Programs where they do not presently exist. Scholarships to offset Junior’s membership dues Scholarships to send Junior Curlers to Summer Camps Offset registration costs and expenses for Junior Bonspiels Offset expenses for local clubs to host their own Junior Bonspiels To purchase brooms, sliders, and other equipment for use in the Junior Programs
HOW TO DONATE: Complete the pledge sheet and mail it to your local curling club with a note saying that it is part of the Run X MN fundraiser. or mail your check to: Run X MN for Junior Curling c/o Itasca Junior Curling PO Box 625 Grand Rapids MN 55744
MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO LOCAL JUNIOR CURLING CLUB. | ||
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