By Lotte Reiter

Rising Horsham aerobics talent Jaya Meadows will mark more than one sporting milestone when she steps out on a national stage at the weekend.

After becoming a state gold medallist in June, the Horsham Holy Trinity Lutheran College student will compete at the 2019 Schoolaerobics National Championships at Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Last year Jaya helped her school’s Energetix aerobics team-mates secure a silver medal at the national event.

This year, she will not only make her national debut as a solo competitor, she will also read the championship’s opening pledge.

Coach and former aerobic champion Amanda Wik said organisers nominated the young talent because they believed Jaya and herself as coach represented the pledge’s core meaning. 

She said she was excited and proud for Jaya to be able to showcase her passion to a national audience. “It’s fantastic to see another student represent the school at nationals,” she said.

“It’s been challenging because a lot of coaching I had to do through FaceTime because I’ve been in Geelong for my cancer treatment, but I know she’ll do well. She’s a beautiful reader too.”

The championships run across five days, starting tomorrow, and involve hundreds of competitors attempting to secure an elite title in aerobics, dance, cheerleading or singing.

To help fund her travel to the Gold Coast, Jaya organised a hot chocolate fundraiser last week, which also included a ‘guess the number of lollies in the jar’ activity.

Her mum, Jenelle Meadows, said she was proud of Jaya’s achievements.

“We’re just really excited for her. It’s been a big year and she’s achieved a lot,” she said.

“We just want her to do her best, which I think is what any parent wants for their child.” 

The entire August 14, 2019 edition of The Weekly Advertiser is available online. READ IT HERE!