Eli's Sailing Fund
Donation protected
I am Eli and I need your help! I am 12 1/2 years old and I have been competitively sailing for almost 2 years.
I was first introduced to sailing in 2012. I saw a poster for a "Learn to Sail" two-week summer camp and I begged my mom to send me; but, she couldn't afford it. So, I asked my mom, grandma and grandpa if ithey would be willing to split the cost 3 ways and pay for it as my birthday present since my birthday is in July. I promised that it would be the only thing I asked for so they agreed.
On the 2nd day of the camp, the instructor approached my mom and told her I was a natural and asked her if I could join their youth racing team. I was so excited! Nobody in my family has ever done something like this and my coach said I had a good future in sailing. My mom scrapped together some money and allowed me to join.
I have moved up quickly by going from Opti Green to Blue in less than a year and was recently moved up to the Laser division. This past December, I recieved the George Esch Weber Trophy for my dedication and commitment to the betterment of sailing; but, due to lack of funds, I have not been able to practice or compete this season.
At first, my father's company was sponsoring me, but they withdrew their sponsorship when my dad lost his job. After that, my single mom, grandma and grandpa tried to help pay the remaining balance but they couldn't pay it in full.
The club I sail for is allowing me to make payments but I am unable to practice or compete until the full balance is paid. I really miss it because it is the only sport I have ever loved and excelled at.
I also hope to use sailing as a way to help me get into college since I come from low income, single mother household. I do well in school and my teachers think I will get academic scholarships, but being part of a sailing college team would also help my odds of getting scholarships.
If I return by May, I will still have a chance to rank within the state of Texas and compete in the Junior Olympics Trials in Houston. Please help me get back to the sport I love and miss so much.
I was first introduced to sailing in 2012. I saw a poster for a "Learn to Sail" two-week summer camp and I begged my mom to send me; but, she couldn't afford it. So, I asked my mom, grandma and grandpa if ithey would be willing to split the cost 3 ways and pay for it as my birthday present since my birthday is in July. I promised that it would be the only thing I asked for so they agreed.
On the 2nd day of the camp, the instructor approached my mom and told her I was a natural and asked her if I could join their youth racing team. I was so excited! Nobody in my family has ever done something like this and my coach said I had a good future in sailing. My mom scrapped together some money and allowed me to join.
I have moved up quickly by going from Opti Green to Blue in less than a year and was recently moved up to the Laser division. This past December, I recieved the George Esch Weber Trophy for my dedication and commitment to the betterment of sailing; but, due to lack of funds, I have not been able to practice or compete this season.
At first, my father's company was sponsoring me, but they withdrew their sponsorship when my dad lost his job. After that, my single mom, grandma and grandpa tried to help pay the remaining balance but they couldn't pay it in full.
The club I sail for is allowing me to make payments but I am unable to practice or compete until the full balance is paid. I really miss it because it is the only sport I have ever loved and excelled at.
I also hope to use sailing as a way to help me get into college since I come from low income, single mother household. I do well in school and my teachers think I will get academic scholarships, but being part of a sailing college team would also help my odds of getting scholarships.
If I return by May, I will still have a chance to rank within the state of Texas and compete in the Junior Olympics Trials in Houston. Please help me get back to the sport I love and miss so much.
Organizer
Eli Ortiz
Organizer
Corpus Christi, TX