JUMPING TO THE CHALLENGE Student-athletes rally support for high performance sport hub Rosie MacLennan and Sarah Gairdner know how to deliver top performances, on and off the trampoline. The duo, who have competed together at the highest levels (see preceding story) and are both immersed in graduate studies in exercise sciences, have put their passion towards a new challenge: helping to raise funds to complete the Goldring Centre for High Performance Sport, the state-of-the-art facility that will foster excellence in sport science research and teaching, sport medicine, athlete training, coaching and world-class competition.
MacLennan and Gairdner at the Goldring gala
This year MacLennan and Gairdner co-chaired a successful fundraising gala and served as volunteers at an exclusive golf tournament on September 28. Combined, the events have raised over $200,000 to date. The golf tournament, organized by Goldring Centre campaign advisors including chair Kevin Reed (see page 22) ), Patrick O’Hanlon and Cailey Stollery in memory of the campaign’s previous chair, Gordon Stollery, brought together 32 golfers at the prestigious Goodwood Golf Club. MacLennan and Gairdner joined in to share their enthusiasm for the cause and made connections with fellow supporters of Canadian high performance sport. The gala, held at the Royal Conservatory of Music on May 11, featured live performances by athletes and a sports-related silent auction. It was attended by over 100 guests, including several Olympians. “Rosie and Sarah organized a memorable event,” says Judy Goldring (BA Vic 1987), vice-chair of U of T’s Governing Council, and the lead volunteer who worked with the pair on the gala. “Every detail was thought through – from the trampoline on Bloor Street to the silent auction items. Everybody who attended had a great time. Rosie’s and Sarah’s leadership in pulling this together, particularly in the midst of their busy schedules, shows just how talented they are.” Ms. Goldring and her family, including the late Warren Goldring (BA UC 4T9, LLD Hon 0T3) and her brother Blake (BA Vic 8T1), a member of the Boundless campaign executive, are
TOP PHOTO/ Jing-Ling Kao-Beserve
PICTURED/ L to R: Geoffrey Beattie, Kevin Sullivan, Gordon Nixon, Rosie MacLennan, Michael Siltala
among the Centre’s founding benefactors, whose number also includes Ron Kimel (BA UC 1966), the Kimel family, and the late Gordon Stollery (MSc 7T2). MacLennan, who is now a Goldring Centre campaign advisor, is quick to emphasize how important private fundraising is for initiatives like this. “There’s only so much you can do without the resources,” she says. “This Centre will make a huge difference in Ontario and Canada.” –with files from Allyson Rowley
PURSUIT | FALL 2012
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