Paw Kpru Blay Gymnastics Fund
Donation protected
Help a fantastic 4th-grader pursue her dream of being a gymnast!
Paw Kpru Blay is a cheerful, energetic girl from Comer, Georgia, born in Thailand to refugee parents in 2009. The fourth of six siblings, Paw is a member of the Level 2 Team at Oconee Gymnastics and Cheer. She attends three-hour practices twice per week at OGC’s facilities in Watkinsville, Georgia. Paw is in the middle of her second year with OGC, comprising of practices and competitions - and has loved every minute of it! Despite her year-round gymnastics schedule, Paw often returns home from a long practice only to keep on practicing at home, and she's always ready to share her progress with anyone who will watch.
Paw discovered her love for gymnastics on her own, and worked on her techniques at home for years before ever getting the opportunity to join a team. Her commitment and practice led directly to her opportunity to join OGC's invite-only program after her talent was noticed at a summer camp. Her first year was a great success, as she was able to grow more comfortable doing her routines in front of a crowd, and she obtained high scores at each competition. Coaches have raved about her talent and attitude, and regardless of scores and other competitive outcomes, we're all incredibly proud of her growth, steadfast commitment, and positive attitude.
In fact, many of Paw's siblings have thrived in extracurricular activities, under the unwavering support from their mother Baw Baw, who has worked hard to encourage her children and provide them with the best life she can in the US. Having fled persecution from the military in Burma, Baw Baw arrived in the US with her family in 2010, from a refugee camp in Thailand; her family settled down in Comer, where a strong ethnic Karen community has flourished. Since arriving, Baw Baw persevered through learning a difficult new language and obtaining her citizenship, all while working and raising her six children, now as a single parent. From the first day she arrived, she has impressed and inspired her community with her determination, confidence, resourcefulness, and cheerful attitude through many hardships. Today, she's working two jobs to support her family, and using her off-time to raise her children and cheer them on through their many exploits.
We've been thrilled not only watching Paw grow as a developing gymnast, but also seeing her thrive in such a supportive, tight-knit team environment. OGC goes to great lengths to promote healthy self image, teach responsible athletic and life habits, and provide a safe, loving environment for the gymnasts in their care. Not to mention that Paw has made many dear friends over the last year and a half of participation!
Team gymnastics is a serious financial commitment, however, and Paw's continued participation will require outside funding. We hope to raise enough over the next six months (through the end of May) to pay for Paw's remaining tuition for Level 2, and for an additional year through Level 3, which begins in June. Baw Baw operates on a limited income, but has committed to paying $1000 toward Paw's Level 3 tuition over the next year; the remaining amount for Levels 2 and 3 is reflected in the fundraising goal. If you would prefer to send a check, checks can be made to "OGTC" and mailed to Baw Baw at 2110 College St., Comer, GA 30629.
We also hope you'll consider checking in with Paw's progress periodically, now that we're getting ready to enter competition season. I will be posting updates on Paw's progress and accomplishments every two weeks; the link to that page will be posted here before Christmas. Pictures and videos will be posted in the comments on this page as well.
Thanks to all for your help and support! Every little bit helps!
Finally, please check out this short bio, written and compiled by Baw Baw and Timothy Aaron-Styles.
Paw Kpru Blay is a cheerful, energetic girl from Comer, Georgia, born in Thailand to refugee parents in 2009. The fourth of six siblings, Paw is a member of the Level 2 Team at Oconee Gymnastics and Cheer. She attends three-hour practices twice per week at OGC’s facilities in Watkinsville, Georgia. Paw is in the middle of her second year with OGC, comprising of practices and competitions - and has loved every minute of it! Despite her year-round gymnastics schedule, Paw often returns home from a long practice only to keep on practicing at home, and she's always ready to share her progress with anyone who will watch.
Paw discovered her love for gymnastics on her own, and worked on her techniques at home for years before ever getting the opportunity to join a team. Her commitment and practice led directly to her opportunity to join OGC's invite-only program after her talent was noticed at a summer camp. Her first year was a great success, as she was able to grow more comfortable doing her routines in front of a crowd, and she obtained high scores at each competition. Coaches have raved about her talent and attitude, and regardless of scores and other competitive outcomes, we're all incredibly proud of her growth, steadfast commitment, and positive attitude.
In fact, many of Paw's siblings have thrived in extracurricular activities, under the unwavering support from their mother Baw Baw, who has worked hard to encourage her children and provide them with the best life she can in the US. Having fled persecution from the military in Burma, Baw Baw arrived in the US with her family in 2010, from a refugee camp in Thailand; her family settled down in Comer, where a strong ethnic Karen community has flourished. Since arriving, Baw Baw persevered through learning a difficult new language and obtaining her citizenship, all while working and raising her six children, now as a single parent. From the first day she arrived, she has impressed and inspired her community with her determination, confidence, resourcefulness, and cheerful attitude through many hardships. Today, she's working two jobs to support her family, and using her off-time to raise her children and cheer them on through their many exploits.
We've been thrilled not only watching Paw grow as a developing gymnast, but also seeing her thrive in such a supportive, tight-knit team environment. OGC goes to great lengths to promote healthy self image, teach responsible athletic and life habits, and provide a safe, loving environment for the gymnasts in their care. Not to mention that Paw has made many dear friends over the last year and a half of participation!
Team gymnastics is a serious financial commitment, however, and Paw's continued participation will require outside funding. We hope to raise enough over the next six months (through the end of May) to pay for Paw's remaining tuition for Level 2, and for an additional year through Level 3, which begins in June. Baw Baw operates on a limited income, but has committed to paying $1000 toward Paw's Level 3 tuition over the next year; the remaining amount for Levels 2 and 3 is reflected in the fundraising goal. If you would prefer to send a check, checks can be made to "OGTC" and mailed to Baw Baw at 2110 College St., Comer, GA 30629.
We also hope you'll consider checking in with Paw's progress periodically, now that we're getting ready to enter competition season. I will be posting updates on Paw's progress and accomplishments every two weeks; the link to that page will be posted here before Christmas. Pictures and videos will be posted in the comments on this page as well.
Thanks to all for your help and support! Every little bit helps!
Finally, please check out this short bio, written and compiled by Baw Baw and Timothy Aaron-Styles.
Organizer
Phillip York
Organizer
Comer, GA
