Send Gecko Girl to the Worlds!

Hi Everyone, Gecko Girl here! Or, more formally known as Niki Longshore.

For those who have been following my hang gliding journey, whether from the very beginning, somewhere in the middle, or starting right now, I want to thank you. Your support along the way has truly helped me to become a confident pilot.

Those who know me know I am absolutely 100% addicted to hang gliding. It is my world! Everything I do revolves around hang gliding, but my true passion in the sport is competition. As an athlete, I workout religiously and eat clean so I can be a strong, healthy competitor.

I have been very fortunate to have spent the last year competing. I spent a whole season in the United States competing in sport class last year. Then, I went to Australia where I eventually moved up to open class. Open class opened a new door for me. I was finally able to fly with the top pilots of the world. Suddenly, hang gliding got even more exciting, if that is even possible. It has been an absolute blast!

Every time I go to another competition, I learn something new. The value of competition cannot be compared to anything else. I am addicted to learning, and I want to dive into every competition I can! I have big goals to perform well and to be a top contender, so the importance of competition cannot be underestimated. But the reality is, it is very expensive, and I am out of funds.

So, when I did not qualify for the United States team (selected in December) to participate in the 21’st FAI World Hang Gliding Championships in Brasilia this year, I was not entirely disappointed. However, I did not want to give up hope. To be able to go to the World Hang Gliding Championships in Brasilia would be the best learning experience I would get so far. I have been steadily progressing, and I really do not want to let this opportunity go!

If I had the chance to go to Brazil, not only would I get to help support the United States team, but I would also get to represent the women of the United States. As an individual I would be the one and only woman competing for the United States. I hope my participation would encourage more women to fly and to compete. There is no doubt we need more women in the sport. I hope I to be a positive influence!

So, even though I did not make the team, I registered for the Worlds anyway because I figured “why not?!” There is always a chance, and I did not want to watch an opportunity to compete fly by!

What do you know, I got approved!

Right now I am trying to find the funding to get to Brasilia. The Worlds starts on August 6 and runs through the 19. There are only a few short weeks to make ends meet but I believe it is possible. I am here asking my friends, family, fans, and followers, anyone and everyone who would like to help support me to go to Brasilia. I need your help!

My goal is to raise about 5,000 USD to cover airfare, baggage (hang glider fees), entry fees, driver fees, accommodation, food, and getting back home to the USA.

In return, as a thank you, I will volunteer 10 hours of my time for every 1,000 USD that we raise to an organization or an activity. I want to give back to you, the community, to say thank you. That’s 50 hours of community service! In addition, any extra money will be donated to one (or some) of the organizations I volunteered at.

So, send me a message on Facebook (@Niki Longshore) to let me know where you would like to see me volunteer. Whether it is an animal shelter, a church, or maybe an activity such as picking up trash or even mowing your lawn, I’m down for anything because I want to show you I am thankful for your support.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you!

Now, it’s time to GeckGoing! Send Gecko Girl to the Worlds!!!

xoxo
Niki Longshore aka Gecko Girl

https://youtu.be/Yf-55Be9CSc