Para-Tri World Champs opportunity

Hi. My name is Sara Tait. I am 17 years old and live on the beautiful Gold Coast in Queensland Australia. I have recently been selected in the Australian team to compete at the World Para-Triathlon Championships in Chicago - an amazing opportunity, but one that sadly won't materialise without some funding assistance.

Let me tell you my story so far. If you feel so inclined, any donations towards my Chicago quest would be greatly appreciated.

I was born with Spina Bifida – a condition that limits my lower body mobility. As a result, my primary mode of transport is a wheelchair. I do not consider myself to have a disability, but rather, someone who posesses "different abilities". I am determined not to let others pre-conceived ideas of my “different ability” define me.

From an early age I always had a need for speed, a passion for sport,  and a steely determination. 

My competitive nature has already yielded both QLD and Australian representation in Wheelchair Racing and Wheelchair Basketball, and I now have my sights set on becoming Australia's leading female para-triathlete.

Although I have only been involved in the sport of para-triathlon for about 8 months, I have been able to quickly adapt to the three disciplines of swimming, hand cycling and "running" (I push in my racing wheelchair); and as such I managed to qualify for the World Championships with a hard fought 2nd place finish at the National Championships in March.

This is a dream come true for me and my goal of Commonwealth Games and Paralympic Games representation is firmly set. The World Championships in Chicago in September is a great stepping stone. It will provide me with competiton and experience against a truly international field - crucial to my development as an athlete.

I am a 2018 Commonwealth Games athlete ambassador, highlighting the involvement of athletes with "different abilities"; and I am also an advocate for the “different ability” community as a whole. I offer motivation and inspiration to those that might not otherwise have a voice, and seek to demonstrate to the general community that every person, no matter their ability, has the right to dream big.

Any funds donated will pay for travel costs for myself and my carer/handler, as well as paying for the purchase of a customised hand cycle - I currently use a borrowed hand cycle. As you can imagine, the logistics of international travel with a handcycle, a race chair, a wheelchair and all associated luggage can be quite complex and at times costly. 

I believe that this trip will further assist me not only as an athlete, but also in providing greater exposure to my profile generally, so that I can further assist the communities that I represent.

Thank you for your consideration in advance.