Rotorua mountain biker Connor Hamilton, with the donated goods given so far for this weekend's garage sale. Photo / Ben Fraser
Rotorua mountain biker Connor Hamilton, with the donated goods given so far for this weekend's garage sale. Photo / Ben Fraser
Community support is being rallied to help a young Rotorua mountain biker compete with the world's best.
A garage sale will be held on Saturday with the proceeds going to help Connor Hamilton.
The 18-year-old has been mountain biking since he was 5 and earlier this year finished fifth inthe men's junior category Mountain Bike and Trials World Championships in Norway.
While his bike and clothing is sponsored, Hamilton needs to self-fund his way to be able compete in mountain bike touring events around the world. It's something family friend Sandy Sloane is determined to help out with, by hosting the garage sale at her Pukehangi home. She has been collecting donated items for the past two weeks, which will be up for sale.
"The more [Hamilton] can raise, the more events he can compete in," Mrs Sloane said.
"I've been blown away with how many people have donated, we've had [Renovators Painters & Decorators] in Ngongotaha, who donated heaps of paint, and the people on the corner are renovating their house and have brought in curtains.
"All the neighbours have donated."
Mrs Sloane said Hamilton was great with the special needs children she worked with and often looked after them in her home. "When he comes round he's such a caring, loving guy to them, always says, 'gidday'.
"He's supportive of what I do, so I wanted to support him too," she said.
Hamilton is aiming to compete in the UCI Elite Mountain Bike & Trials World Championships in Vallnord, Andorra next year. He said his chances of competing increased the more races he took part in.
"It's pretty awesome the support. I couldn't have got where I am without everybody helping me," he said.
Donations for the garage sale can be dropped off to 10 Hinau St, Pukehangi or by contacting Mrs Sloane on 027 414 6328.
