Young Finley athlete Levi Jakeman continues to do his parents and school proud in his achievements having recently competed in Brisbane in both Little Athletics and Junior National competitions.
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Levi came home with two silver medals for high jump and a new PB of 1.73m, representing Finley and team NSW.
He did extremely well having come up against some very strong competition from all over Australia.
Levi has now been invited to join Sports Travel Australia on a trip to Canada in 2027 for two competitions and tour for athletics.
“We have already had some amazing people, businesses and community groups that have backed Levi and helped us with sponsorship,” his mother Ashley said.
“We couldn’t be more proud than we are to be amongst such an amazing community.
“So many people come in to see me at the post office to ask about how Levi is going or to congratulate him on his achievements as they follow him on his sporting journey.”
Levi Jakeman with one of his silver medals.
The family would like to thank everyone for their support. Levi is extremely proud to represent Finley and be a part of such a caring community.
Finley High School, where Levi is a student, is also extremely proud of his persistence and achievements.
School principal Jeff Ward said the school has been fundraising to support Levi’s sporting pursuits.
“On the last day of Term 1, we held a special day to support Levi Jakeman in his quest to travel to the USA to compete in athletics.
“Levi’s family approached me in 2025 to ask what they needed to do for Levi to be excused from school to compete.
“Levi attends school every day, is a role model student, works hard, achieves excellent grades, and has been an active member of the SRC.
“We believe in supporting students who show dedication, commitment and passion whether in academics, sport, or other pursuits. Levi embodies all of these qualities.
“In years to come, if Levi makes it to the Olympics, we can proudly say we were there for him. We played a small part in helping him pursue his dream.
“Thank you to Mrs Sharp and the SRC who organised a great last day of activities, trivia, a colour run and movie. What a great way to finish off the term.”
The SRC raised $935.40 on the last day of the ‘Do it for Levi day’, and Year 8 raised $460 with their barbecue.
Levi Jakeman in one of his silver medal attempts.
“A big thank you to Jeff Ward and the Finley High School community who have gone out of their way to put on fundraising days to help Levi achieve his dream of travelling overseas to compete and achieve his goals,” Ashley said.
The family would also like to thank others who have sponsored Levi at this stage - Ag Trade Machinery, Finley Community Gym, Finley Lions Club, Purtill Group, Kim and Dave Eagles at the Finley post office, Kellie and Carson, Con Carr Better Electrical and Eagle I Machinery.
“To be an elite athlete takes a lot of commitment, not only for the athlete but family as well,” Ashley said.
“So far this year we have travelled for athletics to New Zealand, Wollongong, Sydney three times, and Brisbane, with more travel to come for Levi. He also travels to Ballarat for coaching when we can.
“Know that we are extremely thankful.
“It is a hard task to keep up with all the travel and competition fees.
“Every sponsorship helps us get Levi to these big competitions and gives him every chance to compete with Australia's best athletes.”
