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Experience of a lifetime for youngsters

Thursday 15 May, 2008 12:01am

Sixteen young people from the Lake will comprise the first team to represent Australia at the International Children's Games in July.

Each child must raise $4400 and we are appealing for sponsorships from businesses.

Any business contributing $2200 to Team Lake Macquarie will be listed in the Lake Macquarie News Locals We Love honour role first to make it is Centennial Coal, which has kicked in with a hefty $2000 donation.

Pledges to Mayor Greg Piper's office on 4921 0223.

ELIZA Bell is looking forward to being able to say "Australia" when she is asked what country she is representing at the International Children's Games in San Francisco this July.

"It is a great honour to me to be representing Australia," the 14-year-old Hunter Sports High School athlete said.

Eliza's achievements include: 2006 Central Coast cross country female overall winner; 2006 and 2007 Combined High Schools State cross country and athletics representative, 2007 Wyong Athletic Centre Junior Athlete of the Year; 2008 State Representative in 300m.

She is most inspired by Cathy Freeman and Libby Trickett.

"I am looking forward to the experience of racing against other children form other countries," she said.