A community has come together to support one of their own chase her dream.
Teachers, students and parents of The Learning Centre in Suva are rallying behind their star swimmer, Grace Khelan as she aspires to represent Fiji at an international swimming meet in Brisbane, Australia next month working towards the ultimate dream.
And what is her dream? To represent Fiji, one day, at the Olympic Games.
Grace is 13 years old and in her final year of primary school. And the school is coming together to raise funds to send Grace to an international swimming in Brisbane.
TLC principal Penina Gucake spoke highly of her student and commended the hard work and sacrifice the swimmer has been putting into her preparation.
“If there is one child that needs to be at that swimming meet, it is Grace. She has persevered through the years and worked so hard to get to where she is.”
The school held a mufti day and all funds collected went towards the young swimmer’s preparation.
“At school she displays a well disciplined trait. She moves around her circle of friends and helps other kids especially the young ones at the school.”
At a recent assembly, Gucake acknowledged Grace’s outstanding achievement—winning four gold medals at the national schools swimming competition. Yet, before the gathering began, Grace’s humility shone through when she sought Gucake out, to ask if she could distribute her 4 medals amongst her relay team.
“She was part of the school relay team but unfortunately they weren’t able to win a medal. On the day of the assembly, she walked up to me and said ‘Ma’am I won 4 gold medals and today at assembly, do you mind if the 3 girls in my relay team take a medal each? I want them to know that I really appreciate the effort, the sacrifice and the training they put in for our team.”
Grace had won gold in the 50 metres freestyle, 50 metres butterfly, 50 metres backstroke and 100 metres butterfly.
Gucake said the gesture was moved the school that morning.
In light of her achievements and her aspirations, Gucake and the TLC family banded together to raise the funds to send Grace to Brisbane.
“We have collected over $1,600 dollars so far and we are looking to do more as the month goes on because she will leave for the championship in July.”
“When you have someone of Grace’s calibre and characteristics traits you won’t hesitate to support this young achieve her dream.”
Grace will participate in a 2 day swimming competition at the National Aquatic Centre in Laucala Bay this weekend as part of her preparation.
