With less than two weeks left until the start of the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janerio, Brazil, it’s starting to hit crunch time for Jackie Jacobs’ fundraiser that will support the parents of Ashton Locklear in their hopes of attending the games to support their daughter.
“I believe that the sacrifice that Carrie and Terry Locklear have endured and their years of commitment to Ashton’s dream will be rewarded,” Jacobs said. “The reality is despite all the amazing support thus far, we are not there yet. We still need your help. There are a lot of variables that changed after the Olympic trials,for example the Locklear’s housing in Rio is no longer provided and they are responsible for their own airfare, transportation to the venues, event tickets and food.”
The 18-year-old is heading to Rio as one of three alternates for the five-member U.S. women’s gymnastics team. Should a team member be injured or dismissed from the team for any reason before the the women’s competition begins in August, Locklear could be added to the squad. Replacement athletes travel to the site of the Olympics with the team and continue training as if they are going to be competing.
Jacobs, a former Miss Lumbee, is spearheading a fundraising effort to ensure Ashton’s parents, Carrie and Terry, will have the opportunity to support their daughter in Rio and has been “encouraging” with the outpouring of support for the family.
“We don’t know how to begin to adequately thank you all for your love and support, but know that we are grateful beyond measure,” Terry Locklear said. “Thank you to everyone helping to make this possible for our family.”
Jacobs has created a donation page at: https://www.generosity.com/sports-fundraising/help-ashton-s-parents-get-to-the-olympics-in-rio—2
The goal has been set at $10,000. After 18 days, the website has reached $7,550 coming from 129 different donors.
“We started this fundraiser about 18 days ago right before the start of Olympic trials in San Jose, so to be 75 percent of the way to our goal is encouraging,” Jacobs said. “I want to acknowledge Robeson County and all the surrounding counties Richmond, Scotland, Cumberland and Wake, but I really don’t want anyone to feel left out because we have seen support from nearly every county in North Carolina, as well as support from all over the U.S. and Canada.”
In addition to the donation website, Jacobs said people interested in donating can also contact the Lumbee Regional Development Association at 910-521-8602.
