Shannon Cleave - Para-Triathlete

My name is Shannon and I am a blind triathlete, I am the current New Zealand Paratriathlon Champion (Vision Impaired - Female), and I am currently ranked in the top 15 in the world. I have raced in Yokohama, Japan and in the USA for the New York City Paratriathlon, where I placed 3rd overall and 2nd in the Vision Impaired Category.

I have accomplished a lot since I have been training for triathlon. I have achieved the goals I have set myself and some I didn’t even know I had! I am a forward thinking, positive person, I love life, I look for opportunities to challenge myself, to share my story and encourage others whenever I get the chance.

This year my goals are to:

• Be ranked as one of the top 10 elite paratriathletes in the world

• Be the first Vision Impaired New Zealander to race at the ITU World Paratriathlon Series and qualify for the World Championship Finals in Lausanne Switzerland

• Create more opportunities to race in NZ, and reach out to other Para-triathletes to create a community and grow the sport

• Qualify for the 2020 Paralympics

I am looking for support to achieve these goals; many of the costs of training and racing for triathlon, double because when I race, I need a guide. I pay for most of the guides racing, equipment and travel costs. I do this because my amazing guides put their goals on hold to help me achieve mine.

To achieve these goals, I will need to race overseas at least 4 times, I estimate the cost will be around $30,000, this includes basic expenses like travel and accommodation, as well as training, and equipment, I am looking for any level of support, small or large that could offset any of these costs.

I have the ability and opportunity to race and represent New Zealand. I want to be part of New Zealand Sporting history and your support can make this happen!

Thank you!

Shan