Hawkes Bay Gymnast to represent NZ in Hawaii January 2016

Hi, my name is Laura Johnson. I am 13 years old and live in sunny Hawkes Bay. I am a gymnast training at Omni Gymnastics Centre in Napier. I train up to 14 hours per week, training 4 or 5 times.

In my 7 years of doing competitive gymnastics my goal has been to represent NZ on a tour internationally. I looked enviously at all the other girls last year and years before representing us. An opportunity arose this year as I started my year as a Step 8. I trained throughout the competition season and my coach, family and I made the decision to trial at the 2015 National Championships. I qualified for the New Zealand Development Team and was ecstatic when it was announced!

In January 2016 I will travel to Hawaii to compete in the Aloha GymFest in my respective level. I will represent NZ with other gymnasts from around NZ. Although this will be an amazing experience, it will be expensive and will cost approximately $7000 adding up accommodation, flights, uniform and fees. Unfortunately gymnasts representing NZ do not receive any funding to cover costs.

It will be 10 years since the last Hawkes Bay female gymnast competed for NZ and I am honoured to represent not only NZ but HB and Omni Gymnastics Club.

I hope you can help me reach my goal and represent NZ to compete in Hawaii early next year.

Thank you very much,

Laura Johnson.