Kokoku 2020 (Osaka-Japan)

As long as I can remember my parents have always (and still do) encouraged my siblings and I to DREAM BIG and give everything a go. Yes, I heard them but didn’t think I’d be fortunate enough to be given this opportunity.

My name is Declan van Wyk and I’m 15 years old (16 in July). At the end of last year, I had applied for a rugby scholarship through my current school and am grateful to say that I was selected to complete my education at Kokoku HS in Japan. A new chapter of my life awaits me and I wouldn’t of been able to achieve any of this if it hadn’t been for the love and support my parents have given me.

Another lesson I’ve learnt is that you won’t know unless you ask, so I’m asking you good people to please help me.

I’m off to Japan at the end of March and would love for my dad (my number two supporter, all because I know my mom is my number one) to go with me. That way he can help put mom’s mind to rest and assure her that her son will be well looked after until I come back for a visit next year.

I know they would (and I say this jokingly) “rob a bank” if they thought it was possible but realistically, they’re not in any financial position to fly the family over which is why I’m asking you to please help fly him over with me.

Saying that I love rugby is an understatement! I LIVE for the game and to be given the opportunity to become a better player in a different country would and should be any boy’s dream. I come from a family of rugby “crazies”, more so my mom which can and have been embarrassing at times but I’ve learnt to appreciate the encouragement and screams from the side-line not to mention all the photo’s she’s taken over the years.

I’ve looked at so many of the other requests for people trying to raise funds for their causes and wish I had the money to donate to all but today I appeal to you to please help fund me.

$10 if you have it would be greatly appreciated to help pay for flights and accommodation for my dad to say “see you soon” while my mom and siblings stay behind.

The funds raised will be used for flights and accommodation for one week’s stay for my dad. (for him to be able to see where I’d be going to school for the next three years.)

Please help me get him there.

Thank you so much.