SPRINTER Mackenzie Estlick and her family say they have been overwhelmed by the community support ahead of the teenager’s debut in green and gold at next month’s World Athletics Under-20 Championships in the United States.<\/p>\n
At the forefront of that support was a GoFundMe campaign that eclipsed its goal of $8,000 in just a couple of weeks, to help the 18-year-old with the costs associated with her international travel and accommodation.<\/p>\n
Nearly $9,500 in total was raised, much of it from sources within the Moorabool community, Ballarat where Estlick is based for school and training under coach Gerrard Keating, and the family’s regular holiday destination Warrnambool.<\/p>\n
In a message posted on the GoFundMe page, mum Chantelle Estlick said the entire family was excited and grateful for the “overwhelming generosity of family, friends, local communities, businesses, and supporters near and far”.<\/p>\n
“What started as a dream to help Mackenzie represent Australia at the World U20 Athletics Championships has become a reality because of each and every one of you,” she said.<\/p>\n
“Every donation, every share, every message of encouragement and every conversation helping spread the word played a part in making this happen.<\/p>\n
“We have been absolutely blown away by the kindness, generosity and support shown by so many people.<\/p>\n
“It has been truly humbling to see our communities come together behind Mackenzie and her dream.<\/p>\n
“Your support has helped ease the financial burden of international travel, accommodation, competition expenses and all the costs associated with competing on the world stage.<\/p>\n
“More importantly, you have shown Mackenzie that she has an incredible team of people cheering her on every step of the way.<\/p>\n
“From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for believing in Mackenzie and investing in her journey.<\/p>\n
“We can’t wait to share updates from her world championships experience and take you all along for the ride.”<\/p>\n
Among the donors was the Bacchus Marsh Little Athletics club where the dreams of Estlick and her sister Myah, who also competed at this year’s junior nationals in Brisbane, took flight.<\/p>\n
As she continues preparations before her departure for the US later this month, Estlick was also moved to thank her donors and sponsors, at the same time paying special homage to an extra-special person in her life.<\/p>\n
“I’m so grateful to be heading to America to compete in the world championships; it wouldn’t have been at all possible without mum,” she said.<\/p>\n
“She organised an amazing campaign called One Team, One Dream where she managed to exceed our fundraising goal.<\/p>\n
“My family, friends and the amazing communities of Bacchus Marsh, Ballarat and Warrnambool all came together and showed their generosity, encouragement, and support.<\/p>\n
“It was absolutely overwhelming and I am truly grateful.”<\/p>\n
An eternally-grateful Estlick revealed she had managed to secure six new business sponsorships, alongside her existing ones, to support her ongoing athletics career.<\/p>\n
“A big shout out to Community Bank Bacchus Marsh, Ballarat’s Sanctuary Day Spa, Western Region Health, Ray White Bacchus Marsh, BP Maddingley, City West Construction, Estlick Bricklaying, H&K Auto Electrical and Mechanical, The Accountant Group Geelong, Regional Tyre Service, Bacchus Marsh Farm Supplies and Melton Toyota,” she said.<\/p>\n
Along the way, Estlick was also gifted a new pair of spikes from The Running Company in Ballarat.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
SPRINTER Mackenzie Estlick and her family say they have been overwhelmed by the community support ahead of the teenager’s debut in green and gold at next month’s World Athletics Under-20 Championships in the United States. At the forefront of that support was a GoFundMe campaign that eclipsed its goal of $8,000 in just a couple […]<\/p>\n