Melanie Banville Gets Help for Olympic Run

Melanie is joined by Terry Landon of REMAX Cornwall (left) and Peter Gault of WEBtech (center) and Gilles Latour of Ming and Associates (right)

Members of Cornwall's business community have given a boost to local hero Melanie Banville, as she continues her training for the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens, Greece. A cheque for over $5000, payable to a trust account set up for her by Gymnastics Canada, was presented to Melanie and her parents this weekend.

The money was raised by the Send Melanie to the Olympics Foundation. The Foundation was the brainchild of Peter Gault of WEBtech and Terry Landon of RE/MAX Cornwall, and was officially launched at a Team Cornwall breakfast late last year.

"Every family knows how expensive it is to have a child on a travelling team", said Peter Gault. "Melanie is on the ultimate travelling team, and with that role comes added expenses for her family. As a Team Cornwall member, Melanie is also part of our family, and we should help with some of the expenses."

Melanie Banville is a member of the Canadian Women's Gymnastics National Team. She finished 2nd overall at the recent Canadian championships and was a silver medal winner at the Pan-Am games in Santo Domingo.

"I want to thank all of the people and companies who have made such as generous donation", said Melanie Banville. "I know my parents and family have sacrificed a lot to help me reach me my goals, and this money will make a big difference. As I look forward to the Summer Olympics in Athens, I do so knowing that I have the support of my hometown, my friends and my family. I will draw on that support every day as I train."

"We had the idea to set up a foundation to offset the costs incurred by the Banville family as Melanie prepares for the Olympics", said Terry Landon. "The response was both immediate and significant - we quickly surpassed our goal of $2000. Although we are presenting a cheque to Melanie today, her trust account will remain open and we will be happy to accept any additional donations on her behalf."

Today's cheque represents the donations of over ten local companies, including:

• Benson Certified Auto Service
• Columbia Finishing Mills
• Computer Sense
• Cornwall Colts
• Craig Keen Despatie and Markell LLP, Chartered Accountants
• Johnston Beaudette LLP
• Ming and Associates
• PCY Carriers
• RE/MAX Cornwall
• WEBtech
• William James A. Woollven CA

Team Cornwall is a group of 250 business people who have banded together to promote the considerable advantages of living and doing business in Cornwall, Ontario Canada.

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