Canada is a country were it is possible to not only pursue your dreams, but achieve them.
It is a fact Barrhead native, Melissa Lotholz, knows well.
Lotholz, is a member of the Canadian bobsleigh team and the breakman on Kalie Humphries two-women bobsleigh. This season Humphries and Lotholz finished in second place overall in the World Cup standings.
Lotholz returned home to take part in Barrhead’s Canada Day celebrations after taking time off from full-time training to complete two courses at the University of Alberta where she is working towards getting her degree in nutrition and food science.
“Travelling and representing Canada around the world as part of Canada’s bobsleigh team, I get to find out first hand just how much Canada is loved, respected, and held in such high regards by everyone around the world for the freedom that all our citizens share,” she said, adding that it is because of this freedom that Canadians have the opportunity to pursue and achieve their dreams.
Lotholz said people rarely achieve their goals without the help of many people along the way, adding that she credits much of her success to the community where she grew up.
“I wouldn’t be where I am or who I am without the foundation that was helped laid by the people of the town and county of Barrhead,” she said. “From my family who encouraged me to pursue my passion and work hard at it, friends and teammates who pushed and challenged me, and my church family who have been instrumental in shaping my character.”
She also thanked the teachers, parents, and countless volunteers who continue to give of themselves and invest in Barrhead’s youth.
However Lotholz said she especially wanted to show her appreciation to all the people in the Barrhead area who help support sporting programs.
“These people laid the foundation for my, and many other people’s sporting careers,” she said. “You all should be proud. Barrhead is know as a sporting community. I can’t begin to tell you how many people I have run into, when they find out that I am from Barrhead, ask me how big the town is because they know so many athletes who come from Barrhead.”
Lotholz concluded by thanking everyone who has continued to support her athletic journey.
As a carded national athlete, Lotholz receives a monthly stipend from the Canadian government, and while she appreciates their support, it’s not enough to live and train on.
As a Canadian amateur athlete Lotholz is not allowed to earn money from her sport and depends solely on her government stipend or funds she is able to raise on her own.
Besides receiving sponsorships and donations from individuals in the community, all the proceeds from the Canada Day barbeque went to Lotholz’s training fund. In addition to the barbeque, the town donated a number of Canadian flag fridge magnets which Lotholz handed out for a $5 donation.
“All those donations are huge,” she said. “Although we, as Canadian bobsledders are technically amateur athletes, but yet we are just like professional athletes in how we train and prepare,” she said.
For more information on Lotholz’s journey as part of the Canadian Bobsleigh team go to www.melissalotholz.ca.
