UBCO’s Malindi Elmore, pictured here after a 10km race with Natasha Wodak and Cleo Boyd, is raising funds for KidSport Kelowna by hosting a special screening of a CBC documentary featuring the struggle for gender equity in sport. Both Elmore and Wodak are featured in the documentary.
What: Fundraiser screening of CBC documentary Running a Revolution
Who: UBCO Heat cross-country coach Malindi Elmore and UBCO alumnae Skylar Bown
When: Tuesday, July 23, with a family show from 5:30 to 6:30 pm and feature presentation from 7:30 to 8:30 pm
Where: Mary Irwin Theatre, Rotary Centre for the Arts, 421 Cawston Ave.
Cost: Family show is $20 for kids ages 5 and up, $30 for adults; feature show is $40
Not only is UBC Okanagan’s Malindi Elmore training for the race of her life, she is also making sure children across the Okanagan will have the opportunity to participate in sports.
Elmore, who will race in the women’s marathon at the Paris Olympics on Sunday, August 11, is hosting a special screening of the soon-to-be-released documentary Running a Revolution as a fundraiser for KidSport Kelowna. The registered charity provides grants for families facing financial barriers so children, aged 18 and under, can participate in an organized sport such as minor league hockey, football or baseball.
The special screening offers residents the opportunity to see Running a Revolution before its general release and as a send-off for Elmore before she leaves to compete at the Paris Olympics.
At the screening, Elmore will be joined by UBCO human kinetics alumnae Skylar Bown. After each show, the pair will be available for a Q&A and socializing while refreshments are served. They have also organized a silent auction, which will wrap up that evening. She hopes to raise $24,000 for KidSport Kelowna.
“I can’t wait to share with others the depth and history of women’s marathoning,” says Elmore. “I have been working with CBC on this project for the last year and it will be an amazing film. To be able to also use it as a way to raise awareness and funds is really special.”
Born and raised in Kelowna, this will be Elmore’s third Olympic appearance after competing in the 1500-metre race in Athens in 2004 and the marathon in Tokyo in 2021. As a mom, coach and athlete, the head UBCO endurance coach is passionate about raising funds for children and sports. She is also a long-time advocate for gender equity in amateur and recreational sports.
CBC’s Scott Russell, the creative lead behind the documentary, explains that the women’s marathon at Paris 2024 may be the most culturally significant moment of the 2024 games.
“This gruelling race represents the culmination of the struggle women have endured to achieve gender equality on the Olympic stage. Running A Revolution follows the path of two Canadians—Malindi Elmore and Natasha Wodak—who travel the world with hopes of getting to the start line of this historic event.”
The screening takes place Tuesday, July 23, at the Rotary Centre for the Arts, 421 Cawston Ave., Kelowna. CBC will air the documentary on July 25 at 8 pm.
Most silent auction items are available for viewing online and Elmore says advance bids are welcome. To purchase tickets or bid on the silent auction, visit: rotarycentreforthearts.com/events/event/185002
