YEARS of competing in Little Athletics and travelling to meets is paying off for Narooma cousins Connor Griffiths and Lilly Bennett.
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Lilly and Connor are off to Canada to represent Australia in athletics in a team of 50 Aussie kids aged between 12-19 selected by Sports Australia.
The Canadian tour offers the opportunity to travel and compete internationally against other young athletes. ‘
Connor and Lilly will compete in the Canadian providence in British Columbia firstly at Jack Brow & Masters Championships 2014 in Kelowna then the Trevor Craven Memorial T&F Meet hosted by Norwesters Track and Field Club in Vancouver.
The Narooma kids were chosen for the trip by achieving predetermined standards at various state championships events.
This opportunity of a young lifetime was made possible thanks to the generosity of the town with a big fundraiser and auction held at Club Narooma earlier this year to help with costs.
It’s been a big year for the Bennett family with grandfather Bob this month recognised with an Order of Australia Medal for his contributions to sport and the community.
Lilly's dad Justin Bennett meanwhile is off to France represent Australia in world life-saving championships in beach flags and beach sprints events.
Connor and Lilly meanwhile head to Canada on June 25 to compete against other young athletes from around British Columbia.
Connor’s events are 100m, 200m, long jump, discus and team relay.
Lilly’s events are 100m, 200m, long jump, high jump and team relay.
“They are looking very forward to the trip, to achieve personal bests, to be trained by professionals and hopefully win a medal or two,” Connor's mum Tanya said.
“They are extremely grateful and wish to again thank everyone who have helped them achieve this dream and chance of a life time. They promise to do their absolute best to make Narooma proud.
“Good luck kids. We are so proud of you both. We will definitely let you know how they go.”
Along with intense training and competition, Connor and Lilly will also get to experience the sights including Disneyland, San Diego Zoo, Whistler Mountain, Hollywood Boulevard and Grouse Mountain.
The team will do everything together and have nightly team meetings and of course there is a strict curfew.
They will be well looked after with five coaches, other officials and chaperones.
This is just a brief itinerary:
Day 1. Flying over and arriving at The University of Brittish Columbia in Vancouver.
Day 2. Travelling to Okanagan UBC Kelowna
Day 3. Acclimatize/training at the Apple Bowl Track.
Day 4. Day 1 of competition at the Apple Bowl
Day 5. Day 2 of competition
Day 6. Travelling back to Vancouver
Day 7. “Canada Day” celebrations, training on campus
Day 8. Tour to Whistler Mountain at Shannon Falls
Day 9.Training on campus
Day 10. Visit to Grouse Mountain
Day 11. Day 1 of competion at “Trevor Craven meet” at Swanguard Stadium, Burnaby.
Day 12. Day 2 of competition.
Day 13.With the 2 big competitions complete they’ll then fly to Hollywood.
Day 14. Visit to the Universal Studios
Day 15. LA City Tour
Day 16. Disneyland
Day 17. San Diego Zoo
Day 18. Depart Los Angeles
Day 19. Arrive back in Sydney.