Detroit children's track team needs help to get to Junior Olympics

DETROIT (WJBK) - It's a fantastic event showcasing some of the best young athletes in the country.

The Junior Olympics are set for southeastern Michigan, next week and one Detroit track team has some big dreams and could use your help to make them come true.

These young runners are getting ready for the Junior Olympics - the event is being held at Eastern Michigan University next week. They're all members of the quick Lightning Track Club in Detroit.

Some of the runners are nationally ranked in their event and age group.

"To even get to this level it seems almost impossible," said the coach. "Especially we're only three years old. We are going against giants, teams that teams that have been involved for 40 years."

"It's definitely the biggest meet I've ever been to," said Lauren Bickerdt, a runner. "And there are a lot of runners from all over the country and you'll see world records being set all over the place."

While the kids are excited about the Junior Olympics. They need a little help getting to the event. Their coach, known as "Coach Chop-Chop" is trying to raise the money. He set up a GoFundMe page but so far he's received very few donations.

"Our goal was $5,000, we have 11 kids, that's a lot of families," he said. "They need hotel fare, transportation to and from the track. But to go an hour one way, it's not going to be feasible for the family or for the runner."

While these young runners are preparing to compete against the best in their class, they're hoping for generosity from the community.

"They come out, they do their thing," said Coach Kyree Jackson. "Their energy is just phenomenal. It is non-stop. This just gives them a chance to release their energy and get the best out of it."

If you would like to help CLICK HERE for the GoFundMe page.