CALGARY, ALBERTA, July 13, 2015 – In advance of Ryan Cochrane’s event at the Pan Am Games in Toronto this week, Bellstar Hotels & Resorts is launching the ‘Support an Olympic Athlete Package’ with a portion of the proceeds going directly to Ryan Cochrane, Canadian freestyle distance swimmer and Canada's best bet for a medal at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio.

The package includes a 2-night stay in a luxurious suite, as well as a signed welcome letter and personalized souvenir sent from Ryan himself. The package is available at Bellstar’s collection of boutique hotels including Solara Resort & Spa and Grande Rockies Resort in Canmore, Glacier Mountaineer Lodge, Palliser Lodge and Aspens at Kicking Horse in Kicking Horse, Spirit Ridge Vineyard Resort & Spa in Osoyoos, and The Beach Club Resort in Parksville.

Growing up in Victoria B.C., Ryan began swimming with his twin brother Devon in the Red Cross Learn to Swim Program. After graduating from the program, he first became immersed in competitive swimming through a summer camp put on by the local swim club Island Swimming. Now at the age of 26, Ryan is the Canadian record holder in the 400m, 800m and 1500m Freestyle, and a two-time Olympic Medalist. Bronze in the 1500m at the 2008 Games in Beijing, and Silver in the same event at the 2012 Olympics in London. He has also been named Canadian Swimmer of the Year from 2008 - 2014. Since making his senior international debut in 2006, Ryan Cochrane has become one of Canada’s most decorated swimmers ever.

Ryan shows no signs of letting up - winning more medals for Canada at the 2014 Commonwealth Games and Pan Pacific Championships - continuing his grueling training program with his sights set firmly on a gold medal in Rio, 2016.

Outside of swimming, Ryan graduated from the University of Victoria in 2014 with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and is affiliated with Classroom Champions and Community Living Victoria.

The Support an Olympic Athlete Package is available from now through October 31, 2015. For more information and reservations, call 1-877-778-5617 or visit www.bellstar.ca

About Bellstar Hotels & Resorts:

Bellstar Hotels & Resorts manages and develops destination resorts and boutique hotels in Alberta’s Rocky Mountains and in British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley, Kicking Horse Mountain Resort near Golden, B.C. and Vancouver Island. The boutique hospitality brand combines award-winning service, employment standards and marketing excellence to deliver exceptional resort experiences for guests and owners.

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