NORTH LITTLE ROCK, Ark — (KTHV) – A central Arkansas para-athlete is looking to fulfill a 2020 Olympic dream and you can help make her dream come true.
Flyway Brewing is hosting a benefit for para-kayaker Jillian Elwart Friday, March 22 starting at 6 p.m. When you purchase a pint of Bluewing, one dollar will go towards Jillian’s training fund.
"I've had a tremendous outpouring of support from central Arkansas and this has been fantastic,” Elwart said.
Jillian has defeated all odds against her. She only started competing in canoeing and kayaking in 2017, and already she is on her way to possibly fulfilling a 2020 Tokyo Olympic dream.
"It gives me an opportunity to challenge myself every day to be better and better,” she said.
Next week she is spending time at the Olympic training center in Chula Vista California, before jetting off to compete around the world.
"I have team trials in Oklahoma City, and then World Cups in Poland, Pan Americans in Brazil and World Championships in Hungary and Nationals in Atlanta, Georgia,” Jillian said.
Jillian pays for the expenses herself. Trey Moore with Arkansas Brews Cruise set up Friday's benefit for Jillian. He said you can guarantee your money is going towards a good cause.
"It's just incredible to see somebody take advantage of the opportunities they have in their life. She makes a lot of sacrifices to make these things work,” Moore said.
Jillian is a native of central Arkansas and graduated from North Little Rock High School. She said she is excited to make her home state proud on an international stage.
"Being an amputee, kayaking is a great way to get me active and to completely take my disability out of the scenario. On the water I am free to move as I wish,” she said.
If you can not make it to Flyway Brewing, Jillian also has a GoFundMe set up. If you would like to donate, click here.