July 1, 2005
A Charlottesville boy is getting the chance to play soccer in Australia thanks to an outpouring of support from the community.
A family is saying thanks tonight to the community for the help to make one local boy's dreams come true.
Friends and family collected nearly $4,600 to help 12 year old Dashad Smith play in a soccer league in Australia.
Dashad was selected to play on the USA soccer team, and will play against other countries including China and Africa. He will join several other kids selected from across the county for a trip overseas to represent the United States.
Family members say this trip would not have been possible without the help of the community, so tonight, family and friends gathered to say thank you for the support.
"I'm just so excited and happy for him,and I just have so many people to thank for making this happen," explained Dashad's grandmother Lolita Smith.
Dashad himself spoke up during the event. "I'm just happy, because I get to go overseas," he said.
Dashad leaves on July 8, where he will spend two weeks on the field in Australia playing soccer. Although his family won't be able to see him play, you better bet they will be following his progress right here at home.
