When three Athletics Wollongong members earned selection in the Australian team for the 2026 World Athletics U20 Championships, our club knew it wanted to do something special.
Representing Australia is an incredible honour, but it also comes with a significant personal cost. Thanks to the generosity of our club community and the wider Illawarra, we're proud to say we were able to help ease that burden.
Over several weeks, Athletics Wollongong coordinated a fundraising campaign in support of Chase Grant, Chelsy Wayne and Maiya Hewitt, culminating in our Barefoot Bowls Fundraiser at Wiso's on Saturday, 20 June.
And what a response it was.
Supporters embraced every part of the campaign. Donations flowed through our Australian Sports Foundation appeal, friends and families purchased Barefoot Bowls tickets, the Lucky Draw proved popular, and on the day there was no shortage of people happy to throw a few more gold coins into the fundraising games.
By the time everything had been counted, reconciled and finalised, the campaign had raised an incredible $12,600, allowing $4,200 to be distributed to each of our three Australian representatives.
Our thanks also go to Wiso's, who generously provided the venue and lawn bowls equipment, creating the perfect setting for an afternoon that celebrated not only our athletes but the strength of our club community. Their staff were welcoming, accommodating and enthusiastic from the very beginning, and we greatly appreciate their support.
One of the highlights of the afternoon was hearing directly from Chase, Chelsy and Maiya as they shared their excitement ahead of the World Championships. Between bowls, fundraising games, plenty of laughter and the Lucky Draw, the event became far more than simply a fundraiser - it became a celebration of what Athletics Wollongong is all about.
To everyone who donated, attended, bought tickets, shared our social media posts, volunteered their time or simply spread the word: thank you.
Your generosity has made a genuine difference.
As Chase, Chelsy and Maiya pull on the green and gold and take on the world's best, they'll do so knowing they have an entire Athletics Wollongong community behind them.
We couldn't be prouder.
