Jaleel with his mother Amber, who has been leading the fundraising efforts. c/o Amber Horton, Facebook.

A local athlete will be heading to the Canada Games next month.

Eighteen-year-old Jaleel Horton qualified for the 100m dash and 4 x 100m relay during trials held in Stellarton.

Horton says he only started running about a month ago.

“It took a lot of training for learning how to run off blocks and stuff since I’d never done it before. I quickly caught on,” says Horton. “I kind of did this as a joke going into districts and regionals and then I started taking it a little serious. Just like that I’m already going to the Canada Games so I’m a little nervous.”

Horton plans to continue his running and hopes to qualify for the Olympics.

Now his family and friends are fundraising for his trip to the games in Niagara, Ontario by selling food and running 50/50 draws. He says his mother, Amber, has been leading the charge for fundraising.

Horton shared his feelings on qualifying for the games and about the support from the community.

“Pretty nerve wracking, I don’t really have a genuine emotion yet, I’m still trying to process the fact I was selected,” says Horton. “Everyone who’s been helpful, it means a lot to me knowing that people are willing to help out and get me to where I’m going.”

The Canada Games will be held from August sixth to 21st in Niagara.