PLETTENBERG BAY NEWS - Plettenberg Bay gymnastics star Leolin Petersen is ready to take the world stage and show off her skills at the Gymnastics Federation (FIG) World Championship that gets underway today, 9 November.
After long hours of training, fundraising and support from her community, the 17-year-old Plett Primary School alumnus made it to Birmingham in the UK earlier this week where she will not only represent South Africa in her age group but also as part of the senior team.
This is a prestigious international competition that will also serve as a qualifying event for the 2024 Olympic Games and the 2025 World Games.
For Leolin, it is one step closer to achieving her ultimate dream – one she has had since her early gymnastics days – of participating at the 2024 Olympic Games.
The youngster from New Horizons had to raise a whopping R80 000 to cover costs of the flights, accommodation, transport, meals, competition entry, travel insurance and her gymnastics kit.
Her family, friends and community however banded together with various fundraising initiatives including food sales, sponsorships and crowd funding. The costs were covered and a group of supporters held a final dinner last week to raise some pocket money for her during her stay, which is until 21 November.
Read more on sister publication, www.knysnaplettherald.com
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