Please help me reach my Judo Dream

Hi everyone! My name is Cristyn Jones, I am an 18 year old NZ Judo Representative based in Auckland. My future goals are to represent NZ in Judo at the Commonwealth and Olympic Games and to continue my studies toward a career in the medical field.

When I am not training for Judo, I work at 3 part-time jobs earning money to assist in funding travel to competitions and training opportunities. I am a Lifeguard at the local Swimming/Leisure Centre facility, I also work part time in a Physiotherapy Clinic as an Receptionist/Admin Assistant, as well as teaching Judo once a week to children aged 4 - 10 years.

My judo journey started approx 5 years ago and within a year I had won the North/South Island champs, and the National Champs. I was subsequently selected to represent NZ and have gone on to represent New Zealand Judo at many international competitions including, Australia (Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and Canberra), both Tonga and New Caledonia (for the Oceania champs) and in 2018 I competed and trained in Hong Kong and Macau. I was also honoured with being placed on the Long List to represent NZ at the Youth Olympics in Argentina in Oct 2018.

My long term goals are to represent NZ at the 2022 Commonwealth and 2024 Olympic games. I am very committed to achieving these goals and I currently train at least twice a day, six days a week. My goals are achievable but in order to be competitive at this level I need to regularly train and compete at an international level. My schedule for 2019 includes competing in New Zealand, Australia and travelling to Japan and the UK to train and represent New Zealand at international events. I am registered to compete in the upcoming Commonwealth Judo Championships in Birmingham and also the Welsh Judo Open in September and October this year aswell.

As with many other sports in New Zealand my judo is entirely self-funded. Up to this point I have relied on the dedication and support of my family, friends and coaches to assist with attending and funding such events. However as my judo commitments have grown it has become increasingly difficult to find funds. I am seeking your support to help me reach my potential and represent NZ at the highest level.

Thanks for your support and I promise to do New Zealand proud!