By Colin MacGillivray
Broadford Secondary College school captain Blake Inness is eagerly anticipating a once-in-a-lifetime trip to compete in cross country running races in the USA later this year – all he needs is the money to get there.
Blake was offered a place on an athletics tour of the south-western United States by Sports Travel Australia after running a qualifying time at last year’s School Sport Victoria cross country state finals.
Sports Travel Australia offers qualifying athletes a chance to compete against high school students in North America, but team members must pay for the full cost of their tour.
Facing a bill of about $8000, not including spending money, Blake knew he would need help to achieve his dream, and the Broadford Secondary College community was eager to come to his aid.
Fellow school captain Danielle Spratling and pathways manager Deb Hubbard have spearheaded a fundraising campaign in support of Blake, using a bake sale at recent parent-teacher interviews to raise more than $900.
Danielle said plans for a crazy hair day – inspired by Blake’s flowing locks – and an ice cream sale were also in the works.
She also created a sponsorship proposal for local businesses who wanted to support Blake.
“I don’t mind putting in the time. Blake’s a great guy and he deserves it,” she said.
“It’s all worth it and I hope the community chips in and gets around him.”
Ms Hubbard said the school’s teachers were determined to help Blake raise the money he needed.
“We’re extremely proud of this young man and what he’s capable of,” she said.
“He’s one of those kids who is exceptionally humble and never asks for anything, and I think that’s why everyone wants to support him.
“He’s always the first to ask if anyone needs help or support and he’s always the last one to leave when something needs to be done.
“We’ll get him there. There’s no way he’s going to miss it.”
Blake said it was ‘absolutely amazing’ to have the support of his school community and that he would be thrilled to represent Broadford internationally.
“To be able to go over there to run and represent the school, and to have the school back me up is a great feeling. I’m super excited,” he said.
“I’ve never been [to the United States] before, so that’s going to be a fun experience.”
Blake said his parents were both strong runners but that he did not begin to take cross country seriously until recently.
“I love running. I can’t explain why I like it, it’s just fun to do,” he said.
“I’ve got a running program where I do three good runs a week, and I play a lot of basketball so I’m getting a lot of training in.
“I just run around town most of the time. I’ve also got a half marathon coming up on the Great Ocean Road.”
Ms Hubbard encouraged local businesses and residents to sponsor Blake.
She said the school had set up a bank account and could provide receipts for tax-deductible donations.
“We’re hoping to organise a T-shirt where, if he gets sponsors, we can put their logos on it and he can represent Broadford over there,” she said.
“We’re hoping there will be a few local businesses willing to jump on board.
“We’ve got one of the best communities around. Mitchell Shire is always supportive.”
People interested in sponsoring Blake or donating to his fundraising campaign can contact Ms Hubbard by emailing deborah.hubbard@education.vic.gov.au or calling the school on 5784 1200.
