Helpers back athlete’s flight to France

Liz Bell liz@mpnews.com.au

CAPEL Sound teenager Kobi-Lee Dyer is an inspiration to her family and friends, and it’s not hard to understand why.

The 17-year-old is autistic and nonverbal but has not let that get in the way of achievement and success. She has been competing in athletics since she was eight and has achieved outstanding results, including winning gold in Brisbane last year at the inaugural Vitus Oceania Asia Games in the 100m, 200m, 400m and long jump events.

Dyer has now been selected to compete in France in June in the Virtus Global Games – the most prestigious athletic competition for the intellectually impaired.

Her aunt Marlo Woods said Dyer had incredible persistence and determination, and always made her family proud.

Woods has organised a fundraiser for her niece to help raise $7900 for the trip.

The afternoon will be at Escape Brewing in Capel Sound and will include a raffle and silent auction of donated items, including some of Dyer’s artwork.

“Not only is Kobi-Lee a gifted athlete, she is also a very talented artist,” Woods said.

Another remarkable athlete Nicholas Hum, who won bronze in long jump at the Tokyo Paralympics and will also compete in France, will speak at the event.

“I am really excited about this event, not only for the fundraising opportunity, but also to get a whole lot of local community and local businesses together to connect and network and be part of something special,” Woods said.

“This is an amazing time for Kobi. She wants to make her local community and Australia proud.”

Woods said illness prevented Dyer’s mother from travelling with her as a support on the journey, and the money raised will go toward flights, accommodation, other transport, uniforms, support team including medical, physio and games time support.

The fundraiser will run from 2pm to 5pm Sunday 30 April, at 2/12 Suffolk Street, Capel Sound.

To donate go to mycause.com.au/ page/312231/kobilee-dyer-proudaustralian-autistic-athlete