Support BMX champion Holyee Jackson’s $10,000 community spin fundraiser

BMX talent Holyee Jackson is encouraging Queenslanders to play her ‘Spin to Win $10,000 Community Money Board’ at a fundraising extravaganza next month.

As an AAF-supported athlete and one of our Elevate 20 participants, the 15-year-old is organising the special event to raise much-needed funds for her BMX racing.

Community members can purchase a square on the ‘Money Board’ for $200 each. Each of the 100 squares represents an entry into the draw. After all squares are sold, a spinner is used to determine the lucky winner who will walk away with $10,000 (or half the amount of money generated by squares sold). Holyee will invest the remainder into her sporting endeavours. 

The teenager, who lives in Ipswich, is also inviting other local sporting kids (under the age of 18) to collect a free ticket at the event which puts them in the draw to win $500 towards their fundraising journey.

As well as the Money Board, the event features market stalls, sports personalities, cultural performances and entertainment, games and face painting Hot Rods, and food stalls.

Holyee, who identifies as Indigenous and is a student at Ipswich State High, has a string of junior BMX titles under her belt including placing ninth in the world at the UCI BMX World Championships in 2022. She is currently eighth in the world in the Cruiser Challenge Class and third in Australia in the Junior Super Class and says her ultimate goal is Brisbane 2032. This year she’s gearing up for Australia’s BMX Nationals and the Greatest Race on Earth in America.

She said 'Spin to Win’ was a great way to engage the community and offer them a chance to win substantial prizes while supporting a local athlete.

"BMX racing is an incredible sport, but the financial demands are immense,” she said.

“This event is a chance for everyone to play a part in supporting not just my BMX journey, but also the dreams of other young athletes in our community. It’s about creating opportunities and giving back to the next generation of sporting talent."

Holyee’s fundraising efforts wouldn’t have been possible without ongoing support from AAF and its $1 Million Challenge, which recognises that many sportspeople selected to represent Australia are severely hindered by a lack of financial support.

This year’s Challenge (powered by Ampol) will launch in March and sets out to pair 100 emerging Australian athletes with 100 businesses with the aim of raising $10,000 per athlete.

As a result of last year’s program, Holyee has already teamed up with Lily’s Little Lunchbox and Signsonic Graphics & Design.

In addition, as a member of Elevate 20, Holyee has been taking her fundraising efforts to new heights with increased education and mentorship.

She said: “Being selected for the Elevate 20 program means that I will be able to gain much needed knowledge not only for myself but for others to also achieve their fundraising goals.

“It will allow me to put the knowledge into action to create a consistent fundraising experience. I have so many ideas and would love to gain as much information as I can to make my fundraising journey the best it can be, while also helping others.”

AAF Founder Natalie Cook, who will be attending the event, commended Holyee for her fundraising efforts.

"Every competition comes with a price tag—flights, accommodation, and entry fees quickly add up, and the financial pressure can sometimes feel like a bigger challenge than the race itself,” she said.

"Without community support, many young athletes wouldn’t be able to afford to compete at a national or international level. Fundraisers like this are critical in helping keep dreams alive."

Holyee's event runs from 10am to 3pm on February 16 at West End Football Club, East Ipswich, All are welcome to join in the fun with a gold coin donation.

To take part in the $10,000 Money Board please visit Holyee’s Facebook page for more information.