Lucas Clarke to Row at Junior Worlds at Rotterdam

I am 17 years old and am in my final year at school attending Hamilton Boys' High. I have been part of the Rowing Programme there since 2012.

I was a part of the 2015 Maadi Cup winning crew, was a member of the North Island U18 Men's Team in 2015 and also hold 2016 National titles in the Under 19 Four, Club Eight and Club Four as well as North Island titles in the Under 18 Pair, Under 18 Four and Under 18 Eight.

Being a part of the Hamilton Boys' High Programme has developed me not only physically from a chubby year 9 but also as a person. I believe it has contributed to my election as Deputy Head Prefect, maintaining a good academic standard and also enduring a rigorous training schedule.

Last week it was a privilege to be selected as a part of the New Zealand Junior Men's Squad to contest the Junior Men's Eight for the first time since 2010. We will race in the World Rowing Championships on the new Willem Alexander International Rowing Course in Rotterdam, the Netherlands from 24th-28th August of this year.

Watching the Elite Men's Eight on their road to the Olympics has been truly inspiring and it is humbling to have the opportunity to follow in their footsteps and wear the Silver Fern.

My Mother having represented NZ in Rowing through the 80's and 90's makes this even more meaningful.

This is an exciting opportunity, however it doesn't come without a cost. NZ$10,000 is required to cover both living expenses while in camp at Karapiro from mid- June and the three week Tour to the Netherlands in August.

While my Mother and my extended family work as hard as they can to support me in my aspirations, meeting this financial requirement will be very difficult and beyond our resources.

Any contribution you would like to make to this opportunity would be gratefully received. Thank you!