BROKEN BOW—High school sophomore Zane Raines of Broken Bow has been invited to represent Nebraska on the 2018 Track and Field Team in Queensland, Australia July 7-17. He will compete with Down Under Sports for individual honors and a team championship title. Each participant must raise money to cover the cost of the trip.
A Pantomime Players show benefit is scheduled for Saturday, April 21 at 7 p.m. at the Broken Bow Country Club (2280 Memorial Dr, Broken Bow, NE 68822). Donations are accepted at the door and all ages are welcome.
KCNI/KBBN’s own Shannon Murray and her husband Buck are in the Pantomime Players and proud of their son Zane. They appreciate the support from the community and look forward to Saturday’s show.
“We have been raising money to get him there and the community, friends, and family have been so great with all of the wonderful things they’ve come up with like a Pantomime Players benefit. I’ve been so blessed; it just makes me feel so happy they’re willing to do something like this,” Murray said.
Judy and Courtney of Judy’s Hair Design and the ‘players’ were anxious to put together a show to help support Zane.
The Pantomime Players began in 1983. Participants do not get paid for the shows they are involved in. Funds raised usually go toward new costumes but this Saturday all proceeds will help send Zane Raines to Australia. The Pantomime Players put on an entertaining, theatrical show with music, lip syncing, acting, and dancing.
Track athlete Zane will compete with students his own age in Australia and also have the opportunity to see Olympian level athletes in another country.
“It’s pretty great. Last year I did pretty well I think and I’m glad I got the opportunity to go and I’m pretty excited for it,” Raines said.
Zane said he does not feel nervous now, but is sure the nerves will kick in soon! He has been running track since grade school and his main events are the open 400 and the 4×4.
Zane sends out a big “thank you” to all of those who have supported him and are helping to make this dream come true.
“Thank you! I heard Pantomime Players is pretty funny so I guess it wouldn’t be so bad to see a show. Trying to get fundraising to help pay for the Australia trip so I can go on this,” Raines said. “The more money I put in at an earlier amount of time, the more that the company will help me pay for it.”
After high school, Zane said he would like to run track in college or go into the military.
Enjoy the show this Saturday night and help send one of our local students to Australia!
The deadline to donate is May 19 and donations are accepted at https://www.gofundme.com/zanes-down-under-sports-tournament. Call Shannon, Zane’s mom, at 308-870-2495 with any questions.
