When Year 4 student, Belle, secured her place at the National Cross Country Championships, she dreamed of medals and finish lines.
What she didn’t expect was the groundswell of support from classmates, teachers, families and local businesses, all racing to help her get there.
The ten-year-old runner from Clyde Grammar is one of just six students selected to represent Victoria in her age group, after a thrilling second-place finish at the SSV State Championships last month.
With Nationals in Queensland just weeks away, the close-knit school community has thrown its full support behind Belle, launching a fundraising campaign fuelled by creativity, generosity and school unity.
From handmade friendship bracelets and lucky dips to a sports-themed dress-up day and sponsorship options for families and businesses, every initiative has a single goal: to help Belle get to Nationals.
And behind every activity is a strong sense of school spirit.
“Events like these bring our community together and give students a real-life opportunity to see the power of kindness and school pride in action,” Clyde Grammar principal Leanne Evans said.
“It’s not just about raising money. It’s about raising each other up.”
The idea to fundraise was sparked when school staff became aware of the costs involved in attending Nationals, including travel, accommodation, uniform, and entry fees.
“One of the highlights for me was the friendship bracelet initiative,” Mrs Evans said.
“Students in Years 3-5 made bracelets, which we then sold to the whole school. Many students bought their own bracelets – which I found both heartwarming and a little funny!”
Belle’s mum Krystal said the support had been overwhelming.
“Belle is overwhelmed with gratitude and feels so supported by her school community,” she said.
“The creative ideas from the staff and the small acts of kindness, such as parents stopping in the car park to say congratulations, have meant so much to her.”
Between training sessions, schoolwork and downtime, Belle is staying balanced while being supported every step of the way by her proud family.
“She’s feeling calm and confident, and the excitement is building every day,” Krystal said. “We feel immensely grateful and proud to be part of such a wonderful community.”
The wider community is getting behind Belle’s journey too, with several local businesses already offering financial support, and more opportunities still available through sponsorship or raffle donations.
“Supporting Belle’s journey is about more than helping her get to Nationals,” Mrs Evans said.
“It’s about showing our students that hard work and passion can take you great places.”
