NOTHING is going to stand in the way of Venessa Timms as she prepares to represent her state at the Australian Cross Country Championships in Canberra.
The 16-year-old Kerang resident, who attends Swan Hill Specialist School, competes in the 16 to 20 years multi-class section for athletes with intellectual disabilities.
Earlier this year she placed second at the Regional Cross Country event in St Arnaud, qualifying for this month’s Victorian All Schools Cross Country Championships, when she also finished second to earn selection in the Victorian squad.
Timms recorded a time of 16 minutes and 18 seconds over the three-kilometre course, and she is determined to improve when she competes in Canberra.
“I enjoy running and I train a lot at McLeod Oval,” Timms said.
Timms will travel to Canberra with fellow Victorian representatives – including two other Swan Hill Specialist School students – on August 19 and compete at Stromlo Forest Park the following day.
Timms lives in Kerang with her two siblings and foster mother, Phyllis Absalom.
“Mum is really helpful and encouraging,” she said.
Ms Absalom said Venessa deserved the same opportunities as all students.
“I am very proud of Venessa’s achievements and believe she deserves a chance to achieve the most out of life,” she said.
Ms Absalom is fundraising between $1700 and $2100 to cover her daughter’s accommodation, airfares, uniform and meals.
To assist, contact her on 0421 410 135 or Swan Hill Specialist School on 5032 3683.
