Seaway Lions help Olympic sharpshooting hopeful

In this Friday, May 13, 2016 photo provided by the Seaway Lions Club, members of the club present a $7,000 cheque to sharpshooter Mary Patrick, second from right. Patrick is training to compete in the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo, Japan. (Cornwall Seaway Lions Club via Newswatch Group)

CORNWALL – The Cornwall Seaway Lions Club is helping sharpshooter Mary Patrick with her dream of being part of the 2020 Olympics in Japan.

The club has given her $7,000 to go towards equipment for practice and competition.

“When looking at investing in youth, the Seaway Lions Club thought about sponsoring a soccer or baseball little league, but when a member suggested to get behind Mary, and after the club met with her and her dad, the decision was easy,” said Julia Lucio, club spokeswoman.

Mary, a 16-year-old CCVS student, has been training since she was 12 and is working toward competing in Tokyo in 2020.

Already a top shooter in Ontario, the marksman wants to podium in the ten meter standing air rifle discipline.

“We want Mary to be able to focus on her craft, not so much having to worry about where the money will come from,” said Marcel Ravary, vice-president and Ribfest co-chair.

The money being used is from the club’s proceeds from Ribfest. “The proceeds from Ribfest, which are always given back to the community, allow us to get behind people like Mary,” chairman John Lucio said.