CORNWALL, Ontario – Marian Patrick, a 17-year-old sharp-shooter, launched a crowdfunding campaign to help her reach the podium at the 2020 Olympics.
Supported by her stepfather Scott Gardiner, Patrick started the online fundraising campaign on ‘Makeachamp’ (a crowdfunding site for competitive sports) with a $16,500 goal.
“I’m an aspiring Olympian – and I’m trying to find funding in different manners, because it’s pretty difficult when you’re a shooter,” said Patrick. “I want people to see that marksmanship is a sport and guns aren’t always dangerous, they can be safe if they’re used in the right manner.”
The 60-day campaign closes on April 3.
“We weren’t able to use a majority of the crowdfunding sites, because there was an issue with weapons,” said Gardiner.
The CCVS student added, “It’s one of the biggest challenges: people’s views towards weapons.”
In summer 2015, Patrick competed in Bisley, England, and earned the highest Canadian score in the under-25 division at a National Rifle Association of the United Kingdom event.
On her wish list: rifles, rifle accessories, and safety equipment. The total fundraising goal does not include transportation, accommodations, competition entry fees, and ammunition.
“We’re trying to get her her own rifles. This way she won’t have to rely on people to lend them, it will make trips a little easier, and then she can get a feel for them,” said Gardiner.
Patrick will have to wait until she’s 18 to actually purchase the firearms. The teen markswoman will begin studying mechanical engineering at Carleton University in September.
Patrick is also a cadet master warrant officer at 2403 Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry Highlanders Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corps.
For more information, visit www.facebook.com/shooting4gold and makeachamp.com/marypatrick.
