Para-athlete Kirra Wright is preparing for the upcoming All Schools National Championships next month, with her family seeking support from the community to help make it happen.
Set to compete in the 100- metre sprint, 200-metre sprint, long jump, and shotput, Wright is hoping to compete in the championships in Adelaide.
If successful, she will then continue on the competition path to be considered for the World Championships in Paris next year.
Wright will be required to stay in Adelaide from December 8 to 12, with competition from December 9 to 11.
Mum Kylie Portelli said she had both long and short-term goals to allow her daughter to continue to compete, with sponsorship a key wish to help make more concrete plans in the future.
“In the long term, we’re trying to get a sponsor for Kirra to help with travel and accommodation, but in the short term we just need someone who can help her compete in Adelaide,” she said.
“Accommodation in Adelaide is so expensive, and I’ll have to hire a car to help get us around because public transport isn’t an option because of [Kirra’s] condition.”
Wright is classified in the T38 class and suffers from cerebral palsy, among other medical issues, as a result of a stroke at a young age.
She had to re-learn how to walk and talk after a series of surgeries in 2015 and has since gone on to break national records for her age and classification in a range of different athletic events.
“Kirra is really excited for the upcoming competition, it’ll be her first time competing in an All Schools National Competition,” Ms Portelli said.
“She’s been putting off surgery because it would stop her from competing, but she hasn’t been able to do any sport recently because of some back issues.”
Ms Portelli said she had already paid administration fees, event fees for $35 per event, as well as booked flights – costing about $720 in travel expenses.
“Pretty much all of the money raised will go towards accommodation and transport in Adelaide, so any help would be appreciated,” she said.
Ms Portelli has set up a GoFundMe page for people to donate to help Kirra compete in the All Schools National Championships.
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