Kristina was chosen for selection as a result of her performance at the NSW Combined Schools Cross Country Championships held at Eastern Creek in Sydney in July.

This was Kristina's third consecutive year at State level for cross-country representing the north west area which includes Lightning Ridge Central School.

She has also represented at two State level athletics championships and one swimming championship.

Kristina is an active member of the local swimming club and the little athletics club.

She has represented the school in a wide variety of sports including netball, touch footy, rugby league, basketball, cricket and soccer.

Sports Travel Options is a Victorian-based organisation that gives young Australians aged from 13 to 19 the opportunity to travel internationally and compete in either athletics or cross-country.

The travelling athletes also gain cultural experience by sightseeing and enjoying different lifestyles in conjunction with entertainment.

Of course it is a lifetime opportunity for the young to travel with a group of their own age.

The tour group of 25 will leave Sydney on September 22, 2004 for 15 days.

While away she will compete in four cross-country meets in California, Nevada, San Diego and Las Vegas, with the chance for a little shopping and sightseeing.

She will arrive back in Sydney on October 6, 2004.

Kristina is in the midst of organising events to help raise funds to meet her dream.

She will be approaching businesses looking for sponsorship.

The local Westpac Bank will be opening an account for these funds. Kristina has seven months to raise funds with the final payment due in July 2004.

All help in any shape or form in meeting her dream will be greatly appreciated.