Two downhill biking brothers, Nui Tai and Ayun, aged just nine and 12 respectively, are seeking funding to be able to compete in the International Rookies Championship 2019 in Austria in August.
A crowdfunding campaign has been launched to raise at least €3,000 to pay for their journey by land to Austria, where the two daredevils from Aljezur hope to showcase their skills in downhill biking – a fast-paced variety of mountain biking that takes place on steep courses.
Their passion for the sport started around two years ago and has been growing ever since.
The pair has been training with well-known coach João Estevão (aka “Pirata”) who recognised their talent early on, even when they were practising with “cheap, very simple bicycles”.
They are part of the Wildpack sport association and have become known as the ‘Downhill Brothers’, frequently practising in their own downhill track at home.
But, as competitors, they must be at least 15 years of age to officially take part in tournaments in Portugal. Thus, brothers Nui Tai and Ayun – who were born in Costa Rica and Argentina, respectively – are eager to see what they’re worth abroad.
Their father, Miguel Trindade, admits that the sport is risky but says that no sport is safe.
“Children can get injured in every sport but there are many other sports that do not limit children’s participating by age,” he told Barlavento newspaper.
Around €2,500 has already been raised via the crowdfunding campaign and will be used to get the youngsters, their parents and all their equipment to Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis in Austria.
For more information about their goal and how you can donate, visit the crowdfunding page.
https://www.gofundme.com/downhillbrothers
Photos: JOÃO CHAMBINO/OPEN MEDIA GROUP
