In a matter of months, one 14-year-old Holbrook girl will go from running around town to running in America.
Shalayla Wheeler was selected for the Sports Travel Australia trip after her performances at state.
The selection was a complete surprise and she only found out about it when a letter arrived at Billabong High School.
“I opened it in class, I was shocked,” she said.
Since she was in year four she has made it away to state for cross country running every year.
Currently Shalayla is training four days a week by running three to four kilometres around Holbrook.
“I never imagined I’d be running in America,” she said.
Shalayla is set to leave on September 21 for 15 days. She will make the trip with other students who were selected who she hasn’t met yet.
“I’m a bit nervous, I don’t know anyone,” she said.
To go on the trip she needs to raise at least $6,000. Her fundraising efforts have included barbecues, raffles and helping with the Rotary firewood raffles.
Her mum, Andrea Wheeler, said the community was right behind her with fundraising.
“The community have been so helpful,” she said.
The names of those who donate $50 or more will be embroidered on the back of Shalayla’s shirt when she gets back from her trip.
“She is going to write thank you cards to everyone who donated,” Mrs Wheeler said.
When she isn’t training or competing Shalayla will get to see the sights of America including the Grand Canyon, Hoover Dam and Disneyland.
But what is she most excited about?
“The competition and training sessions,” she said.
To make a donation towards her trip use the bank details: Wheeler atf Shalayla BSB: 082646 AC: 367196302.
Tickets for the Mother’s Day raffle can be purchased outside the Holbrook Newsagency on Saturday May 7.
She will also be running a BBQ at the Holbrook IGA on Saturday.
