Bitou gymnast is now a step closer to Tokyo
Thanks to the big hearts of Plettenberg Bay locals, a talented young gymnast is a few steps closer to realising her dream of competing on an international stage.
The family of 13-year-old Leolin Petersen has been driving a major fundraising campaign to ensure that the youngster makes it to Tokyo, Japan later this year, and the local community has backed the initiative in a big way by making a large dent in the expenses needed to make her trip happen.
Leolin has been chosen to represent South Africa at the International Federation of Gymnastics (FIG) Trampoline Gymnastics World Championships taking place in November and December this year.
This would be the youngster’s first step on the world stage and a leap closer to realising her dream of making it to the Olympics.
The young gymnast, who has already proven her mettle on home turf with many titles under her belt, needs more than R45 000 to cover her costs for the trip. So far donations and support have been rolling in and more than R30 000 has been raised.
In order to achieve this goal, Leolin’s mother Helen Bezuidenhout has been driving several initiatives to raise funds including baking hertzoggies and other goods.
On 7 September a quiz evening will be held at the Plettenberg Bay Bowling Club. Later this month, on 28 September, Bezuidenhout will also be hosting a “Golden Oldies” evening at the New Horizons Community Hall.
“We are incredibly grateful for each and every person who has played a part in helping us realise this dream. We are overwhelmed by the support and will be forever thankful,” Bezuidenhout said.
About R16 000 of the funds raised came from the Rotary Anns.
She explained that the initial quote for the trip came in at around R35 000, but they have since learned that Leolin would need R45 000. This excludes her clothing needed and lunch and dinner during her time there.
It also does not include her visa application, Bezuidenhout said.