Hi there!

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I'd like to begin firstly by thanking you for clicking on my project & secondly, for your time & consideration in advance.

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A little about me. Well, I'm 14-year-old Lacie; a dedicated lover of Taekwondo, in particular Sparring. For context, I am a third dan Black Belt, training since I was seven at Halls Taekwondo. Since 2019 I have focused my training under brilliant coach Jerry Moratis. I train 6 days weekly, more specifically in Sparring. My training regime consists of Club training, attending school at the Maribyrnong Sports Acadamy coupled with weekly sessions with the Victorian Performance Pathways Program to complement club training & with a focus on strength & conditioning.

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This is not the first time I've reached out to my friends, family & community. So, for those who have supported me previously, I cannot thank you enough. Please know that largely due to generous support, less than 12 months ago I was able to attend the delayed 2022, Cadet World Championships held in Sofia, Bulgaria.

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In stepping out onto the World stage for the first time, my learnings were vast. After a win against Canada, I was defeated by the eventual Silver medalist from Iran. Although I didn't get the result I'd hoped for, I certainly didn't come away empty handed; no loss comes without learnings & my eyes widened to the intensity of international competition - it was fierce out there & I caught the bug for competing on international mats!

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I returned to Australia with a new level of understanding & growth. Fueled by the experience, just two weeks later I qualified again for the National Team & set off for the Netherlands to contest at the Dutch Open. Enriched with new learnings & confidence, this time I fought my way onto the podium bringing home my first international medal, a bronze! This experience saw me to fight the No#1 ranked where I was narrowly defeated - but I definitely tightened the gap from Worlds!

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So, to now. Having most recently attended the selection event held in Brisbane, I again fought for a spot on the Australian National Team ambitious to attend the 2023, Cadet World Championships to be held in Bosnia, Herzegovina. An added bonus to this selection is the opportunity to attend the Bosnian Open Tournament scheduled to follow the World Championships. Thus, having won my division, I was absolutely delighted to once again be offered appointment to the National Team! In addition to this, over the following two days I further competed in the World Taekwondo's Presidents Cup & the Australian Open also securing Gold in both events!

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In moving forward, the importance of the 2023 World Cadet Championships cannot be understated as it provides a pathway for international events & the Olympics. At the delayed Olympic Games in Tokyo in 2021, 17 out of the 32 medalists had medaled either at the World Cadet or Junior Championships, or at the Youth Olympic Games. These statistics demonstrate that cadet athletes who compete in Bosnia have the potential to be nurtured into World or Olympic champions - my long goal.

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Which brings me here once again appealing for your support. Unfortunately, in Australia Taekwondo is not well funded & thereby it leaves athletes & their significant others responsible for covering all associated costs; often proving a barrier for athletes to pursue their goals. As for me, having already attended two international & multiple state & interstate competitions within the past 12 months, the costs have stacked right up! So, it's here I that humbly reach out again asking for help to achieve my fundraising goals.

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This amazing opportunity is set to span over approximately 11 days (inclusive of travel time) & will include two prestigious competitions for me to try my hand at. Should I be fortunate in receiving donated support, it will be put directly towards my flights, accommodation, team uniforms &/or competition entry fees. The estimated costs as described by Australian Taekwondo are as follows:

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Estimated Athlete Costs: $7000.00

Estimated Guardian Costs: $5000.00

​Total: $12,000.00😵‍💫

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To finish, I again extend my thanks for your time & consideration. Any support 'big or small' would mean the world to me! You can read more about my selection to Team AUS by clicking on the link below:

https://austkd.com.au/2023/07/slider/cadet-national-team-ready-for-sarajevo/

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❤️ Lacie xx​

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