The Calgary Zoo’s attempt to reward a member of Canada’s National Speed Skating Team with an annual membership was politely refused by the athlete and exchanged for passes to allow children with cancer, and their families, a fun day at the zoo.
Speed skater Gilmore Junio’s decision to offer his spot in the 1000 metre event to a teammate with a better chance of winning received extensive media coverage during the 2014 Sochi Olympic Games. The teammate, Denny Morrison, accepted the offer and finished second in the race, securing a silver medal for Canada.
Junio’s selfless act was noticed by officials with the Calgary Zoo and a decision was reached to award his decision with a complimentary annual pass.
“It was a gesture of generosity and selflessness but having a year membership just for myself wasn’t appropriate so I tried to flip it around and see how many people we could get to the zoo,” said Junio. “I’ve always wanted to be involved in the community somehow and figured this was a great way.”
On Saturday, Junio hosted four families from Kids Cancer Care for a day at the Calgary Zoo.
“To see how many smiles we can put on the kids’ faces is going to be awesome.”
12-year-old Lukas Huber, who has Leukemia, was one of the children who toured St. George’s Island with Junio.
Lukas says he looks up to Junio and the speed skater’s actions were a great example of sportsmanship.
Junio’s life has been a whirlwind since the Olympics in Russia. The speed skater has toured the country, making public appearances and accommodating media requests.
