Interview with Andrew Chubb Chosen to Compete in Down Under Sports

Andrew Chubb, a young man from Akwesasne, was selected to compete in the Down Under Sports in Australia. The event will take place June 26th for 10 days. The Down Under sports is not just a competition, it's a growing experience for anyone talented enough to be invited. The Olympic like competitions, are aimed at young people who have undeniable talent. Andrew was selected to compete in Cross Country Meet, which he is exceptionally good at, as I had seen for myself while covering the ABGC 10k Walk/Run at Heart to Heart. I witnessed Andrew finish 2nd overall, and he placed 2nd in the men's division. I had the opportunity to sit down with him and ask a few quick questions about his upcoming trip to Australia.

Q - When did you begin running?

A - "I started in Track and Field when I was 7th grade. I did it for 2 years, when I was in grade 9 my grades weren't so good, so I couldn't stay on the team. I started cross-country in 7th grade, too, and I stuck with it for the last 5 years.

Q - How did you get selected to attend the Down Under Cross Country Meet?

A - I received a letter a year and half ago, inviting me to go. I wasn't sure if I was going to go since it cost $5000 for me alone. My mom, sister and brother wanted to go to, so we had to raise $20000. So we raised the money to go and we're leave on June 26th.

Q - How were you able to raise that much money in such a short amount of time?

A - We did 6 or 7 different fundraisers.

Q - Did any organizations or businesses help you out?

A - Yes, Bears Den and the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe, they helped and gave us money as well.

Q - So you didn't have to try out to be a part of the cross-country meet?

A - No, they contacted me. My cousin Tentenhawi was sent a letter before, but she didn't go. So I heard about it from her. The Australia organizers asked me to go; I didn't have to sign up for it. It's an invitational tournament; you have to be invited and its based on past races to attend.

Q - Is there anything you would like to say before you go out to Australia to represent the U.S.A and Akwesasne?

A - Yeah, thank you to all the community organizations who helped to contribute, so that my family and I could attend the Australia Down Under Cross Country Meet.