Firstly, thank you so much for taking the time to meet with me and for helping towards sponsoring me financially, you have given me the opportunity to fulfill a goal of mine through your generous support.
My journey began by being invited to attend a trial for New Zealand Under 16 Basketball Team back in November 2016. I was fortunate enough to proceed through this trial and be invited to attend another trial against a selection of players throughout New Zealand. This process carried on up until April 2017, with approximately 5 trials, being 3 days long each, then with the announcement of the team. When I was named in the New Zealand Under 16 Team with nine other athletes from around New Zealand, I felt extremely honoured.
I have recently returned from the Under 16 Australian State Championship in Perth, Australia representing the Aon New Zealand Under 16 Basketball Team. The tournament was held at Warwick Stadium in Perth and our team stayed nearby. Our team had a great tournament, we won every game in our Pool except a loss to South Australia Metro and then we went on to the quarterfinals in good placing winning our pool. We won in the quarterfinals versing Western Australian Country and went through to the semi finals versing Queensland South, we came up short losing in the semi final and finishing fourth overall playing Victoria Metro for third and fourth, this was still one of the best finishes from a New Zealand side at the tournament.
The experience I had in Perth was amazing and one that I will never forget. It was an incredible opportunity to be playing along side and against some of the best basketball players for my age group in Australasia and learning everyday through the sport that I love. I am truly thankful for the support you have given me, I felt I did my family and myself proud and I loved every moment wearing my first New Zealand jersey. Below I have attached a photo of my time playing in Perth, Australia. Thank you hardly seems enough but I want you to know how incredibly grateful I am to your Foundation and the support you have shown and given to me.
