TIM O’Kane is a justifiably proud dad and he’s appealing for help so that his daughter can realise her dream of competing for Great Britain this summer.
Sixteen-year-old Grace O’Kane has been selected to race for the Great Britain under-18s’ team in the upcoming World Dragon Boat Championships in Brandenburg, Germany.
“This is a massive achievement that has taken a considerable amount of training and dedication to learn and achieve,” said Tim.
“She has worked her socks off, juggling her school work and revision for her exams, her football training and playing for Barnsley Women, dragon boat training at club level, and travelling up and down the country to train with the GB squad.
“That’s as well as the extra gym time needed to stay at peak physical condition to perform well in the gruelling training weekends.”
Grace, a pupil at Kirk Balk Academy in Hoyland, only started dragon boat racing about 18 months ago after her dad took her to Manvers Lake to give it a try.
She now captains the British under-18s’ team.
Many weekends are spent travelling to club events and GB training camps and requires ultimate dedication from both Grace and Tim.
“I don’t know how she juggles everything she will put in a full weekend training at a GB session, get in the car and sleep all the way home and then be up on a Monday morning for a mock GCSE exam and give that her all too.
“She is very excited about the world championships in Germany in July and I am extremely proud of her.
“Unfortunately, the championships are self-funded and we are asking for any little donation to help her with GB kit, travel, accommodation, food during the time she will be away representing our country at the highest level.
“We are doing all we can but any extra would be amazing and mean so much to help a dedicated young athlete.”
It’s Grace’s first world championships and the Jump schoolgirl is eagerly looking forward to representing her country.
“It’s a growing sport, particularly outside the UK at this time, but there are plenty of clubs and events where people can get involved,” Tim said.
“Grace is a member of Steel City Beavers in Tinsley.
“Any help would be much appreciated to help Grace she works so hard at this and I am immensely proud of her she really is the perfect daughter.”
Grace has been nominated in the Young Champions awards for her dedication and achievements.
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