Thursday, June 25, 2020
VOLUME 2 I ISSUE 52
MERIDIANSOURCE.CA
Rollheiser’s Tri 1 for Life for cancer a hit TAYLOR WEAVER
EDITOR
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What is one to do when a global pandemic puts the kibosh on a triathlon you’ve been training so hard for? Well, if you’re Pam Rollheiser, you plan your own triathlon and raise some money for the Canadian Cancer Society. A well-known Border City piano teacher and proud mother of two, Rollheiser was first introduced to triathlons five years ago when she watched her son, Jonathan, in the ATB Lloydminster Triathlon. She was so inspired to get into shape by the display of enthusiasm, over that winter she lost 40 pounds and we n t f ro m no t b e i n g able to run at all to completing a 5km run. Her swimming and biking improved alongside the running and led her to complete her first sprint distance triathlon in 2017. “Since that first triathlon I have continued to improve my speed, strength, distance and endurance, but one of the best things was
watching my daughter, son, husband and numerous friends also get inspired to give it a try!” she said. She quickly realized her dreams of completing an Olympic distance triathlon were possible, and qualified for the ITU World Grand Final in Edmonton 2020, as a member of Age Group Team Canada, last summer. When COVID-19 put everyone’s summer in a holding pattern, Rollheiser didn’t want her training to go to waste and decided to plan and host her own triathlon right here in the Border City. “I realized that my struggles were so small compared to family and friends who have struggled with cancer,” she said. “Almost everyone knows someone who has fought cancer, so I decided to do this fundraiser for the Canadian Cancer Society.” This was also Rollheiser’s way of encouraging people to try something new and step outside of their comfort zone.
Taylor Weaver Meridian Source
Pam Rollheiser (left) transitions from a 40km bike ride to a 10km run on Saturday morning in the parking lot of Grace United Church, during her Tri 1 for Life triathlon, in support of the Canadian Cancer Society.
“I encourage the kids and everyone else to get out and try one or more of the sports of triathlon,” she said. “It does not matter how far or how fast you go – just get active. It is great for your health and decreases your chances
of getting cancer. You can bike (inside or outside on any bike – I raced on the road bike I bought when I was a teenager), run (or walk), or swim (check out my swim band exercise, as the pools are closed).”
Rollheiser’s two children, Jonathan, 14, and Valerie, 12, also got on board with the fundraiser in their own unique ways. “The last time I cut my hair was two years ago when I cut it shoulder-length to donate to
cancer for wigs,” said Valerie on Saturday after cutting her hair and donating it. “I was really happy to be able to help, and it’s a really nice experience to go through.” CONTINUED ON PAGE 4