Friday night fundraising gala will benefit Lethbridge’s Special Olympians

Special Olympians in Lethbridge will soon receive new financial support.

Special Olympics Lethbridge is hosting a fundraising gala it hopes will become an annual event.

The gala will be hosted at the German Canadian Club on Friday, starting at 5 p.m. and ending at midnight.

The gala will feature a 50-50 draw and silent auction, as well as a five-course meal and entertainment.

Proceeds will be used to help cover sports fees for Special Olympians in Lethbridge.

With many of the athletes living on a fixed income, the support will go a long way.

“It just would help them because they all are on a tight budget. ... It takes them, sometimes, a bit to pay all the fees,” said Christina Kollias, Special Olympics Lethbridge treasurer.

“That’s why we want to help them out and cover their fees for a year.”

Tickets are still available.

They’re $75 each or $550 for a table of eight and can be purchased in person at the German Canadian Club or by emailing Christina at [e-mail].

Special Olympics Lethbridge, part of Special Olympics Alberta, “provides year-round sports programs for individuals with intellectual disabilities, fostering inclusion, empowerment and community engagement through sports.”