Year 11 St Martins Lutheran College student Tessa Quintel did not walk to school before last month.
Required to create a fundraiser for her Community Studies class, Tessa was quick to decide a cause.
Motivated to help others in her soccer team, Limestone Coast All Ability Soccer Club and gain some independence, Tessa set out on her fundraising mission.
Walking two kilometres every day in October, Tessa asked people to support her big commitment via a GoFundMe page and donation collection tins.
Tessa designed posters and a QR code to generate contributions to the cause.
The Mount Gambier-based club offers a rare but essential opportunity for people living with disabilities to enjoy the social and physical benefits of sport.
The funds will help cover new equipment and travel expenses for events in Millicent and Adelaide.
Because it’s a small team without a big committee or supporter base, Tessa’s mother Romana said it’s up to the players and their families to fund playing opportunities – many of which happen in Adelaide.
“It’s great to have other people not involved recognise the importance of inclusion and participation in community sport for all athletes,” Ms Quintel said.
“Tessa really wanted to support her teammates to be able to participate in more events. And so for other people to recognise that and contribute has been well, overwhelming, actually.”
While the original target was to raise $250, there have been over $1000 in donations.
The support has been overwhelming for Tessa, who nearly cried when she hit $500.
“There’s a lot of people out there that gave money,” Tessa said.
Much of the 62km was clocked up walking to and from school every day, a major lifestyle change for Tessa.
She also enjoyed walks in the pines to make up the distance, kelpie cross border collie Rocky by her side.
It was not all smooth sailing.
Getting comfortable with the route required learning to cross busy roads safely.
In her last week of the challenge, Tessa took a fall on her way to school, fracturing her hand.
Fortunately her legs were uninjured and she could keep walking.
Tessa said it had been worth it to support her team, who has had a major impact on her life the past two years.
“When I did not do soccer I did not have any friends to hang out with here. But now I have some friends I can trust,” Tessa said.
It’s been equally rewarding for Tessa’s parents.
“Soccer’s expanded Tessa’s social skills and her social base and she’s made some amazing friends through it,” Ms Quintel said.
“We’re very proud of her.”
