Being a world-class athlete sometimes comes with an otherworldly price tag.
Beaufort weightlifter Dade Stanley, fresh off sweeping gold at the USA Weightlifting Youth National Championships in Anaheim, California, needs a hand paying his way to represent Team USA at the 2019 Youth Pan American Championships in Ecuador next month.
The trip is one that has been funded by Team USA in most years, but because of preparation for the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, the Youth Pan Ams trip is self-funded this year. That means Stanley and his coach, Team Beaufort founder Ray Jones, are paying for their airfare, lodging, meals, and other expenses out of pocket.
“If you know me, you know I’m not one to ask for handouts. I’m generally the one giving them,” Stanley’s mother, Missy Moberly, wrote on a GoFundMe page aimed at raising $4,000 to help cover the costs. “But, this time, I need a little assistance!”
Stanley started lifting as something to do after school, but he quickly emerged as an elite talent, winning multiple national titles and breaking youth American records. He swept silver at the 2019 Youth World Championships to help Team USA claim the team title and earlier this month swept gold at the Youth National Championships.
“We would be forever grateful for any help getting Dade and Coach Ray to Ecuador to represent Beaufort, South Carolina, and the USA next month,” Moberly wrote on GoFundMe. “It’s not every day you are selected to represent your country and proudly wear the American flag on your chest!”
To donate, visit www.gofundme.com/Dade-Stanley-Weightlifter or donate through Venmo to @Dade-Stanley-Weightlifter.
