Roosevelt High School student Taahir Kelly.
(photo courtesy of Taahir Kelly)

Roosevelt High School has its share of champions, from scholars who went to France and other countries to the Rough Riders football team. Add one more amazing Petworth teen to that growing list, Taahir Kelly, who's headed to Australia to run in the Down Under 18th Annual International Games. It's an amazing opportunity for this 17-year old, and he could use your help with raising funds for the trip.

A DC native, Taahir has lived in Petworth for 16 years and hopes to follow in his family's footsteps. "My Mom ran track, my Dad did cross country, and all my brothers and sisters have participated in track and graduated with track scholarships."

Taahir was invited to participate in the Down Under Sports Tournaments hosted on the Gold Coast of Australia in July 2018. He'll most likely be running the 200, 400 and the 4x400 at the Games. While there he'll have the opportunity to do some sight-seeing in Brisbane, visit an animal sanctuary and get to know his international competitors. It's really an outstanding opportunity for a high school student.

"After Roosevelt, I want to go to college and major in psychology and participate in college sports if possible," Taahir said.

Taahir posing with his sister and mother after a race this year and receiving Athlete of the Year award.
(photo courtesy of Taahir Kelly)

"I am honored to be an ambassador of not only my community and state, but also our country," Taahir writes on his fundraising page. "I will be representing District of Columbia on the Track and Field Team during the summer of 2018. I am looking for sponsors to make donations towards the cost of competing down under. A major source of funds comes through voluntary contributions of family, friends and business sponsors."

If you can, consider helping Taahir reach his goal of $5,000 (so far he's raised $325).

You can donate any amount on the Downunder Fundraising page.