Jesse Freeman has been invited to represent North Carolina on the East Central Conference Track and Field team competing in Australia in the summer of 2013. Freeman, a Harnett Central High student, is excited for the opportunity to represent his family, school, community, state and country in the once-in-a-lifetime experience.

In order to be able to attend the competition, Freeman is asking for donations in any amount to go towards the cost of travel. A major source of funds comes through voluntary contributions of family, friends and business sponsors.

As a thank you to sponsors, there is a ticket that can be filled out and sent in with a contribution to Down Under Sports. Tickets will go into a drawing for a trip for two to Australia and Hawaii and/or a subsequent drawing for a five-day cruise for two.

To make a contribution, go to www.downundersports.com.

Down Under Sports believes that sport is the international language common to all countries and people around the world and that it can help remove cultural and international barriers.

Therefore, the mission of Down Under Sports is to promote the growth, development and self-esteem of the individual athlete through sport; to raise the level of awareness and completion to the benefit of both the host country and the participating athlete; to forge friendships that bridge the gap of both distance and time, through mutual competition that promotes health and sportsmanship.

Down Under Sports was founded in February 1989, based on the dream of New Zealander George O’Scanlon. The Down Under Sports programs use the common language of sports to bridge the continents and provide a forum for athletes from around the globe to compete head to head in the sport they love. During the past 24 years, Down Under Sports has had the opportunity to share the land Down Under with tens of thousands of individuals from across the United States. Some prior standouts of the Down Under Bowl include Jake “The Snake” Plummer, past quarterback for the Denver Broncos, Ahman Green, running back for the Green Bay Packers and Rob Morris, 2007 Super Bowl Champion with the Indianapolis Colts.

The 2013 Down Under Sports program will include competition in track and field, cross country, wrestling, football, volleyball and basketball.