Help Waiapo play basketball in Florida, USA

ABOUT ME:

Kia ora, my name is Wai‘apo Louis. I’m 13 years old and I’m from Whaingaroa, Raglan. I live in Hamilton with my Mum, Dad and three younger siblings. I’m a Year 9 student at Hamilton Boys’ High School, who plays point guard/shooting guard, and I dream of being a professional basketball player one day. Basketball is a huge part of my life – I train five days a week, including four 6am training sessions, which I either walk or bike to. I feel honoured to have represented Waikato in basketball over the past few years and my determination and hard-work has also resulted in me being selected to represent New Zealand, with a delegation from Capital City Basketball, in the 2016 Orlando Summer Classic and YBOA basketball tournaments in Orlando, Florida. As I am a recent addition to the team, I only have three months to raise the $5,900 necessary to travel to America. This will be a huge challenge for me and my family, so I would really appreciate any help that you can give me.

HOW I PLAN TO GIVE BACK:

When I finish high school I hope to play College Basketball in America, with my ultimate goal being to play professionally. I’d also like to give back to the community by helping to mentor and support other young basketball players just as I have been supported.

A TOKEN OF APPRECIATION:

Thank you in advance to every one of you that is supporting me to travel to Florida for the YBOA tournament and the Orlando Summer Classic. As a token of appreciation from myself and my family, my uncle, Kawharu Greensill, has kindly offered to donate a tewhatewha, a handcrafted Maori weapon, to support my cause. If you pledge over $50 you will go in the draw to win this taonga.

PLUS everyone who makes a donation will go in the draw to win a pounamu taonga.

Thank you once again for your support!!