I am writing this letter at the request of NCN Citizen Mary Jane Linklater, Mervin Linklater Jr’s mother.
Please accept this letter as a formal request for support for Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation citizen Mervin Linklater, Jr. Mervin is an exemplary young man who is an ambassador for our nation. He is attending the Special Olympics national games in Calgary, Alberta, in February 2024.
Mervin Linklater Jr. is a five-pin bowler who won gold at the Manitoba Provincial Games in February 2023. He is also a cancer survivor and an amazing young man. The cost of sending Mervin to compete will be approximately $2,000.00, and he will travel with his teammates.
Mervin Linklater Jr.’s parents drive 218.51 km each way (a total of 437.02 km) from Leaf Rapids to Thompson every Wednesday for his training. This is almost five hours of driving for two hours of training at the Crosstown Lanes from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. once a week. They do so at their own expense and require funds for fuel and meals. Mervin’s parents also want to travel to Calgary for the week to cheer their son on, but they do not have the financial means to do so. Therefore, they are requesting donations for training, Mervin’s expenses for the Special Olympics national games in Calgary, and their travel, meals, and accommodations.
From a leadership perspective, we must support our First Nations athletes, especially those who demonstrate perseverance in achieving their goals. I urge you to support Mervin Linklater Jr. and his family. I have faith and belief that he will bring home gold again, given the support and opportunity!
DONATIONS CAN BE MADE BY CHEQUE OR E-TRANSFER:
Please make cheques payable to Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation and write “Mervin Linklater Jr. Special Olympics Fund” in the memo.
E-transfers can be sent to Merv’s Mom, Mary Jane:
[email protected]
L23 not 123 but it is all lowercase.
Kinanaskomitin,
Chief Angela Levasseur, B.A., B.Ed., PBDE., Juris Doctor
Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation
