Tokyo bound para-athlete Leva calls for support

By PATRICIA KEAMO
NATIONAL para-athlete Nelly Leva, who recently qualified for the Tokyo Paralympic Games next month, is seeking financial support for her preparations.
Leva, from Barakau in Central, is partially impaired on her left arm and has represented Papua New Guinea on a number of occasions, most recently at the Queensland State Championship in Australia last year.
Since learning of her qualification, the single mother of three has committed herself to training six days a week in preparation for Tokyo where she will compete in javelin.
Leva, through her support committee, is seeking financial assistance to host a breakfast event in Barakau to raise K20,000 to assist her with her preparations for the Paralympic Games.
Committee chairman Nancy Valahu said so far they had raised K1,000 from small fundraising activities since the news of Leva’s qualification however they need at least K6,000 to host the breakfast event.
“During the event we will share videos on how Nelly overcomes her daily challenges despite her disability and carries out her responsibilities of raising three kids, maintaining her household and training,” Valahu said.
“We would be grateful if anyone can come forward and support Nelly’s fundraising drive by way of cash or kind.”
Leva said in order to fully utilise her potential during in-country training and preparation and at the games she needed funding that would assist her in her preparations which includes keeping a balanced and nutritious diet.
“I will be representing PNG in the Paralympic games form Aug 24 to Sept 6 and your support for my preparation is highly appreciated,” she said.