Newell looking to raise money for Down Under Sports games

WORLAND - Worland High School's Jacob Newell has been invited to participate in the 2018 Down Under Sports program on July 7-16 for track and field in Queensland, Australia.

High school athletes from across the world and in multiple sports have been invited to take part in the Down Under Sports games. Athletes in football, cross-country, golf, track and field, basketball, wrestling and volleyball travel to Australia and compete for international bragging rights.

Newell plans to compete in the 400-meter dash and triple jump, and may even add another event as the competition draws closer.

Making the trip to Australia and going against international talent will cross off two life goals in one swoop for the WHS sophomore.

"That's always been my dream to compete with people outside Wyoming and see where I stack up," said Newell. "That's also the other reason I want to go, I've always wanted to visit Australia."

Track and field is Newell's favorite sport because whether he succeeds or falls short, it all rests on his shoulders.

"I like the individual aspect of it. I've done team sports before, but when I'm on the track, it's just me and I like how I only need to worry about doing my best," said Newell.

Getting to the Down Under games will take fundraising on Newell's part, and so far he has a spaghetti dinner/silent auction scheduled for 6 p.m. on April 29 at Zion Church and a raffle for an afghan handmade by Sonja Smith. Local businesses will be contributing items for the silent auction, while the cost for the raffle tickets will be one for $5 and six for $25.

The opportunity to represent Wyoming in Australia has given Newell even more drive to have success on the track.

"It's motivated me more to do better in track and I'm excited to go and compete," said Newell.

For more information about Newell's fundraising efforts email Laura Newell at [email protected].