Please help Laura get to Plovdiv

My name is Laura Glen, I am 19 years old, an ex Villa Maria College student/rower and second year commerce student at the University of Canterbury.

Recently I had the honour of being named in the NZ under 23 rowing team that will compete at world champs in Plovdiv Bulgaria. I was originally named in the womens pair, but due to injuries within the team have been moved into the womens quadruple sculls.

I have been rowing for 6 years now, 4 of which were at Villa Maria College and 2 for the Southern Regional performance centre. But for all my 6 seasons been affiliated and racing on behalf of the Avon rowing club.

I have learnt a lot from my time involved with rowing. Had my share of disappointments, failing to make the Junior team in 2015, and missing out on 23's last year. But these disappoints only made me want it more and encouraged me to work harder. Which makes the rewards to succeeding to much better. In my past summer with Southern, I came away with bronze in the 20 pair, silver in the 22 four and gold in the womens premier eight and my first red coat at the NZ Club nationals. It was these achievements amongst other races that earned me my trial and later my spot in the team.

Apart from the opportunity to represent my country at the World Champs, the training for this event involves us in 'living in' at Lake Karapiro for 10 weeks and training alongside the other NZ rowers preparing for the World Champs; Juniors through to Elites rubbing shoulders in the same facility. This environment is extremely motivating and this being my first time experiencing the whole winter at Karapiro I have loved it.

I look forward to representing myself, my family, my club and my country with pride at 23 world Champs in Plovdiv in late July. Making the most of each opportunity on the water.

I am so grateful and humbled by the ongoing support from my family, friends, Avon, and rowing community to help me fulfil my goals of representing New Zealand. As you may know these campaigns come at a cost and any support you are able to give, small or large, would be beyond appreciated.

Many thanks,

Laura Glen