Sask. Olympian helping Canadian families celebrate in Rio

A Saskatchewan Olympian and her father are helping Canada's Olympic and Paralympic athletes embrace family and friends after a competition in Rio. 

More than two years ago, former Canadian Olympic bobsled athlete Jaime Cruickshank and her dad Alan formed The Celebration Club.

The club helps family and friends book everything from airline tickets to accommodations at the Olympics and Paralympics.

"It's so important to have your family there and know your people are there supporting you," said Jaime. "There's a lot of research showing athletes perform better knowing that their family and friends are in the crowd. And I can surely attest to that."

Jaime competed at the Winter Games in Turin, Italy in 2006.

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Her dad Alan and entire family were in the crowd when she was competing. Alan said there was a lot of stress trying to plan everything to get there.

"The Olympics are chaotic. Trying to find accommodations in a foreign country can be a challenge," said Alan.

Both Jaime and Alan know how difficult it can be getting to and from Olympic venues. Alan said he is hearing from people he has helped get to Rio that commuting has been a real issue.

He's also hearing how much easier it's been for families booking through the Celebration Club. 

"We are there to pick them up. Arrange the bus to the hotel. Get the tickets. Get them to the venues," said Alan. 

The Celebration Club is officially partnered with the Canadian Paralympic Committee and also works directly with all of Canada's national sport organizations. 

The two combined their love of sport and travel to form the club. To date, they say they've help a few hundred people get to Rio. They say they're helping fulfill Olympic dreams and they're also cheering on the athletes. 

"You create friendships and you're cheering for them," said Alan. "And we've sent out messages. Congratulations. Way to go. Keep it going and lots more to come as we build a community"

The hope for the two is to build an Olympic community in Canada that not only happens every two years during the Olympics but all year round.

"I know my experience with my parents and my family and to know we can help facilitate that is amazing. We live this experience," said Cruickshank.