Laurel High School senior Torrance Jones has been selected to participate in a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Jones was one 20 high school students from Mississippi selected to compete at the International Sports Specialists Inc.'s Down Under International Games in the 21st annual Down Under Track and Field Meet. He will join other runners from across the United States and Australia at the games. The games, which begin in July, will be held on the Gold Coast of Australia for seven days, then in Hawaii for the next three to four days. The track and field will take place two days between June 26 - July 6.

"I can't wait to see Hawaii and to have an opportunity to represent my country and state in Australia," Jones said. "I am a member of the Laurel High School track team. I run the 3200, 1600 and 800 meter events. I enjoy running and have been a distance runner for Laurel High School since my sophomore year."

The young track star is the son of Robert Tennie and Carolyn Jones of Laurel. He is an active member of the Laurel High School band and gospel choir, and he attends Saint Paul UMC and is an active member of the youth choir and Sunday school. Jones and his mother have been asking family, friends and business sponsors for donations. They are planning fundraisers to help cover the $4,595 cost of the trip. For every $2 that is donated, a donation ticket will be put into a drawing for a trip for two to Australia for this event. The deadline for Jones's final commitment to participate is May 1; as of now donations under $500 have been started by family members. If you are interested in making a donation, make checks payable to “International Sports Specialists, Inc. Jones.” Jones can be contacted at 601-426-9832.