Trojan Cager Prepares To Play for U.S. In Austria World Games

Working on her game always has been an all-consuming activity for Nayla Long. The Mililani High junior traveled to Chapel Hill, N.C., last summer to work on her game. This summer, she will fly to Klagenfurt, Austria, to compete for Team USA at the United World Games girls basketball tournament in the 18-and-under division.

“This experience will give me the opportunity to explore a new culture while also learning valuable life lessons through personal experiences,” said Long, who was a Second Team All-Conference selection in the OIA Red West this past winter for Mililani. “I will also be able to improve my skills on and off the court as well as having a better understanding of the world around me. I have the opportunity to represent the USA and gain an educational experience of a lifetime. We will have the chance to meet people from all around the world and establish lasting friendships with them.”

More than 5,000 participants from more than 30 different nations will compete in various sports at the World Games.

Long’s American International Team also will travel through Munich, Venice and Salzburg as part of the tour. She was invited to play on the U.S. Team after being discovered last summer, when she competed for the Fayetteville Warriors, a North Carolina-based elite high school all-star team.

Long is currently seeking donations to help cover the $3,600 needed to “cover my portion of the travel expenses,” she said.

With that in mind, The Shack in Mililani is helping to support her efforts by hosting an all-you-can-eat fundraiser from 5 to 10 p.m. Sunday to help cover her costs. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased at the door. As part of the event, The Shack will host raffles and giveaways for those in attendance.

“Any donation you can give would go directly toward my travel expenses,” said Long.

Those interested also can mail checks to Nayla Long, 95-202 Kaukini Place, Mililani HI 96789.

For more information, call 551-5626.