Help Aria get to the national finals

Aria is a keen chess player who has been involved in local and regional tournaments for the past 2 years. In the Nelson regional competition earlier this week she gained the title of intermediate Best Girl and 3rd over all, with her intermediate school team Golden Bay High School also placing first. She has now been invited to play in the national finals being held in Auckland later this year in October.

We are hoping to raise enough money to get Aria and an adult chaperon to Auckland and we would really appreciate any help we can get. I have left the goal for this cause open ended because there are other local players who may need to get to Auckland also and if we raise enough it would be nice to help others out. Travelling up to Auckland is expensive for families, but we don't want that to get in the way of Aria, or other keen and talented players having a chance to compete with the best.

Aria plans to do a little of her own fundraising as well. As well as being a very good chess player, she also plays the guitar and will be busking to help fund her travels. Thanks everyone, every little bit helps =)

Breakdown of the costs will include:

- Return flights for Aria and myself from Nelson to Auckland and back, $918

- Accommodation in Auckland for 2 nights, approx $300

- Meals and other travel costs $200-$300 (including public transport - taxis etc)