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“Help the Fergussons Win for Canada!”

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Hey Sports Fans!

Our friends, Ed (84) and Brenda (75) Fergusson have recently been invited to compete in the World Masters Weightlifting Championships in Montreal, Quebec. (700 World-class athletes will attend the 9 day competition.)

What is this fundraiser for?
Ed and Brenda are a retired couple living near Parksville, BC, CANADA. They are also world-class, competitive Olympic Weightlifters. Since January, they've been saving up in the hopes of qualifying for the Worlds in their sport. And this May it happened! Their performances in competitions this past year earned them a spot. They both received invitations to compete for Canada!

No one can predict the actual costs of attending a competition like this. And as you can imagine, they add up.


Our fundraiser hopes to collect money to help offset the financial strain. It's common for Canadian athletes to fundraise before a competition. And we’ve only got a tiny window to do it!


What exactly will my money go towards?
Specifically, airfare ($1500) and accommodations ($1500) to Montreal.


Why did you put together this GoFundMe?
I’m Doree and I’ve been training with both Ed and Brenda for three years. I love working out with this couple. They are positive, encouraging and pretty dang inspiring. Ed coaches with so much enthusiasm. It doesn't matter if you're a Beginner or World-class, "Coach Ferg," shows up, 110%!  

When I turned 50 last year, I had my concerns about getting older. I spent time in the gym with Ed. Just watching him move, (and he's lightning fast) I realized it’s possible for me. To get older while staying strong, fast and coordinated. Brenda has the same inspiring effect. At 75, she’s no one to trifle with! Squatting 130lbs and jerking 77lbs overhead. Knowing Ed and Brenda and training with them gives me the confidence to grow older AND stronger.

I'm thrilled they are willing to compete in this challenging sport. I figured if I was inspired, others might be too. 
 
Why should I support the Fergussons? 
If you've ever cheered on an athlete or team you know the good feelings this creates.  How much do sports fans spend on an average basis? With Ed and Brenda Fergusson, you're not just backing Canadian athletes. You're supporting two people over 75 years old, who stepped up to live healthy, vibrant lives. They lead by example. I hope you let them inspire you as they have me and many others.  

We need positive examples of healthy aging…

Stay Tuned for Updates! 

WATCH the Competition ONLINE and Cheer on the Fergussons, August 16th. 

Thank you for your donation, because it values healthy living, at any age.

Let me tell you a little about Ed...

Why on earth would a retired almost 84 year old show up at the gym 4-5 times a week and throw around heavy weights?

In a word, “grandkids.”

In a few words, “to be able to take the shingles off my daughter’s house.”

And while we’re on the topic, here are a few more reasons…

“To continue doing carpentry, to run, play hockey, travel the world, coach and inspire others!”

These are the sentiments of Canadian Master’s Weightlifting record holder, Ed Fergusson. Oh, he’s strong alright, and fast. He’s also a coach with close to 60 years helping people become stronger and live more vibrant lives.

As we get older it becomes vitally important to maintain strength. Doing some form of total body weight-training at least 2 times a week pays massive dividends. Not only do you get to lift a grand-baby or carry your suitcase up a flight of stairs, you protect your brain from decline.

Strong body, strong mind.

Last Summer, Ed and his wife and lifting partner, Brenda Fergusson competed in the Canadian PanAm Master’s Weight-lifting Competition in Gaspe, Quebec. They both took Gold medals for their efforts. Brenda even set some new Canadian and PanAm records. Since Gaspe, both Ed and Brenda have qualified for the World Masters Weightlifting Competition August 16-24, 2019 in Montreal, Quebec!

The couple continues to train in various locations in BC and Alberta but mostly at Jim’s Gym and Limitless Gym both in Parksville.

Does Coach Ferg have advice to those wondering if this is the week to begin strength training?

He sure does!

“First find a qualified and certified strength and conditioning specialist (CSCS). Then have them coach you in the deadlift, squat and overhead press movements. These three types of movements, over time, are all you need!”

How would you like to increase your confidence as you age?

It’s a known fact among those who lift. Muscles grow and so does confidence. Confidence in your balance, posture and in being independent.

After retirement, many people walk more often but they leave out strength training. Backed by Science, the greatest bang for your fitness buck is learning how to lift weights.

Protect your longevity and start this week. If you live near Oceanside, join Coach Ferg at Limitless Gym in Parksville on Saturday’s at 10:00 and Monday’s at 10:30am for a Beginner class on Getting Stronger. You can also catch Coach Ferg and Brenda training at Jim’s Gym Tuesdays and Thursdays at 1:30pm. 



The Sport of Olympic Lifting...
Gaining in popularity, Olympic lifting (Snatch and Clean and jerk) involves complex movements. Requiring both speed and strength, these lifts take years to learn and perfect. Ed's had a few years of practice (about 60!) while Brenda came to the sport later in life inspired by her husband and coach. 




For more information and to watch Ed and Brenda in the upcoming World's ONLINE visit Ferg's Weightlifting Club on Facebook.
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Donations 

  • Anonymous
    • $100
    • 5 yrs
  • Jan Hutchinson
    • $100 (Offline)
    • 5 yrs
  • Oceanside Hyperbaric
    • $300 (Offline)
    • 5 yrs
  • Wayne and Cheryl Ferris
    • $100 (Offline)
    • 5 yrs
  • Oceanside Hyperbaric
    • $150 (Offline)
    • 5 yrs
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Organizer and beneficiary

Doree Madge Blake
Organizer
Errington, BC
Brenda Fergusson
Beneficiary

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