Tessa Quintel has made big strides in independence and raised more than $1000 for a local club by walking 62 kilometres in October.
Tessa was tasked with creating a fundraiser for her Community Studies class at St Martins Lutheran College and was quick to choose the Limestone Coast All Ability Soccer Club as the benefactory.
She decided to walk two kilometres every day in October, and aimed to raise $250 for her beloved club.
“When I didn’t do soccer I didn’t have any friends to hang out with here,” she said.
“But now I have some friends I can trust.”
When she hit $500 she was overwhelmed, but kept smashing out the steps and ended up raising more than $1000.
“There’s a lot of people out there that gave money,” she said.
Tessa’s mother Romana Quintel said she had made some great friends through the club and was proud she had decided to fundraise for it.
Ms Quintel said as the club was small it was up to players and families to fund playing opportunities, which often happen in Adelaide.
Funds raised would go towards new equipment and travel expenses and Ms Quintel said it was great to have people “recognise the importance of inclusion and participation in community sport for all athletes”.
“Tessa really wanted to support her teammates to be able to participate in more events,” she said.
“And so for other people to recognise that and contribute has been well, overwhelming, actually.”
Tracking the kilometres, Tessa clocked most of the walking too and from school, but also enjoyed walking through the pines with her dog Rocky to make up the distance.
