Deaflympics Team Handball for Joshua Weinstock

Dear Supporters,

I have a dream that you can help make come true. I am a United States Deaflympian who will compete in the 22^nd Summer Deaflympics in Sofia, Bulgaria on 26 July – 4 August, 2013.  One hundred twenty elite deaf and hard of hearing athletes will represent the USA in 10 different sports.

The Summer Deaflympics are among the world's fastest growing sporting events. More than 2,500 Deaf athletes and officials from 77 nations participated in the 21st Summer Deaflympics in Taipei, Taiwan in September 2009. The Games are built on 89 years of tradition. Organized since 1924 by the Comité International des Sports des Sourds (The International Committee of Sports for the Deaf), the first Summer Deaflympics was held in Paris, France. Winter Deaflympics were added in 1949. The International Olympic Committee sanctions the Summer and Winter Deaflympics.

Being selected for the USA Summer Deaflympics Team is an honor and a major achievement for myself and my fellow Deaflympians. The biggest challenge I face is not the competition itself, but the ability to secure funding to represent the USA at the Deaflympics. Unlike hearing Olympians or Paralympians, elite deaf and hard of hearing athletes like myself must do my own fundraising because I do not receive financial support from the United States Olympic Committee. This presents a twofold challenge for Deaflympics athletes: fundraising and training for the Deaflympics.

People like you, who support the mission of the USADSF and its athletes, are the ones that can make it possible for me to accomplish my lifelong dream. Each Deaflympian must fundraise at least $2,400 to cover all costs, not including international airfare and training expenses.

You can send an athlete to Deaflympics by making a financial contribution today. The US Deaf Team Handball is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and all contributions are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.  If you want to donate, please contact me at [email protected] or use this GoGetFunding.com website!

With great appreciation,

Joshua Weinstock

2013 Deaflympian in Team Handball

P.S. For more information about the 2013 Summer Deaflympics, please visit

www.usdeafsports.org