Help Devante ride to the top
Donation protected
Devante Laurence is a hard-working track cyclist with the potential to become a world-beater. In 2022, he represented Trinidad and Tobago at the UCI Junior Track World Championships in Tel Aviv, Israel and the Caribbean Track Cycling Championships at the National Velodrome in Couva, Trinidad.
Devante recently returned from the T-Town Summer Games in Pennsylvania, USA. Though he is just 18 and in his first year competing among seniors, he held his own against high quality opposition. Devante's performances earned him valuable world ranking points.
On July 11th, Devante was listed at #91 in the men’s sprint world rankings and #124 in the men’s keirin world rankings.
Devante continues to perform against the odds. He has outgrown his bike. He needs a larger bike, as well as other essential equipment.
World class coach Kyleigh Manners, in Wales, is keen to start working with Devante. Funding, however, is a huge challenge.
On July 6th, Devante received a grant from the Trinidad and Tobago Government. We are grateful for the Government’s recognition of Devante’s potential and the investment in his future.
The grant will cover about 22 percent of the overall cost of a six-month training stint in Wales, starting in September 2023 and ending in February 2024, and the equipment required for Devante to optimise performances on the track both in training and in competition.
The six-month training stint starts on Monday, September 4th. While the Government’s contribution has facilitated the purchase of his airline ticket and payment of some of the other initial costs, Devante continues to have urgent needs, including the purchase of a new bike ahead of the training camp.
As evidenced by his successes at the 2022 Caribbean Championships (1 gold, 1 silver, 1 bronze) - his final competition as a junior - and his quick climb up the world rankings since moving to the senior (elite) category, Devante has a bright future in the sport. With the right equipment and the guidance of world class coach Kyleigh Manners, he can do great things on the global scene.
A further £30,000 (US$38,568) is required to cover all the expenses for Devante’s six-month training stint in Wales, inclusive of the equipment required for a track cyclist.
We are grateful for any contribution you are able to make. It will go a long way in helping Devante get to Wales, a crucial stepping stone as he works towards qualification for the 2028 Olympic Games.
These are links to print and electronic media stories in which Devante was featured between 2021 and 2023:
https://www.guardian.co.tt/sports/browne-laurence-shine-for-arima-wheelers-6.2.1613071.c920c87605 (Guardian)
Organizer and beneficiary
Kwame Laurence
Organizer
England
Yoko Laurence
Beneficiary