BARRIERE HOME TOWN GIRL GOES TO OLYMPICS 2004

Erin Gammel from Barriere qualified Wednesday July 7 in Montreal for the 2004 Olympic
Games. Erin holds the Canadian record for the 100-meter backstroke.

Erin began her swimming career with the Kamloops Swim Club with her sister Erica at the age of eight. Their parents drove the girls into Kamloops everyday where they trained. At one point they built a lap pool in the family’s backyard. Erin has gone on to attend two Commonwealth games as well as two World Cups and the PanAmerican Games. 
She attends the University of Calgary where she is pursuing a degree in psychology. Erin’s mother Anita works part time for Canada Post in Barriere. Her father Gary lost his job as head electrician with the Tolko Mill in Louis Creek when the forest fire burned the mill.    He is now self employed.

We are all proud of Erin’s accomplishments and wish to support her. Erin is partially funded through Swim Canada by way of a monthly cheque, however this barely covers her shelter costs and in no way is enough to cover her personal expenses while attending training camps. Erin’s hotel and flight to attend the Olympic trials in Montreal well exceeded $1500.00. Swim Canada does not cover these expenses.
Let’s show our support!

A fund has been set up for donations for Erin care of: 
Box 572 Barriere BC V0E 1E0

If you would like to send a greeting or a cheer and wish Erin well, her e-mail address is 
egswim@hotmail.com