Christiana “Roo” Truebenbach of Gig Harbor qualified for the stand-up paddle board World Championships with her performance at nationals in her hometown.
Truebenbach, 17, won three events in the 15 to 17 girls division at nationals: the 10K, sprint and technical races. Nationals were Sept. 18 through 20 in Gig Harbor, and the World Championship competition is Oct. 14 through 18 in Sabaudia, Italy.
With a short turnaround and an expensive trip on the horizon, the Truebenbach family launched a GoFund Me campaign to offset costs.
“Donations will help cover the travel and competition expenses needed to make this opportunity possible, including roundtrip international airfare, accommodations, a rental car, food, transport of Roo’s racing board and equipment, registration fees, and other necessary travel costs. … It is very difficult for them to ask for financial help, but their community has encouraged them to create a way for people to rally around Roo and help this young local athlete pursue big dreams and goals,” according to the GoFundMe page…