Send Me To 2013 Deaflympics (Cycling)

Dear Supporters,
Hello, my name is Patrick Sluyter; I am honored to be selected as one of five to be on United States Deaf cycling team for Deaflympics, and I need help to fund raise and complete my lifelong dream of competing at Deaflympics in Sofia, Bulgaria from July 26 to August 4, 2013. One hundred twenty elite deaf and hard of hearing athletes will represent the USA in 10 different sports. I will be representing the USA Deaf Cycling team as a road cyclist in 4 exciting days of events and as a mountain bike in 1 day event as follows:
- 1000m Sprint 1000m
- 40km Individual Time Trial
- Road Race
- 50km Points Race
- NEW ADDITION; Mountain Bike XCO
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 me 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 me 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.
My second biggest challenge I face is being Mr. Mom even though I have the world's best job, full time stay home dad, unfortunately, with doing a Mr. Mom Role, I do not get paid. I chose be a stay home dad because I want to be around my children, Winter and Ansel and the idea of being Mr. Mom had given me the most awesome rare opportunity of being father to my children, the chance to grasp on the experience of raising children and fatherhood. I would like it very much to get supports from you and completing my dream to compete in Deaflympics and grab some medals! I am more determined than ever after missing world championships a couple of years ago after being hit by car while training that sent me to surgery room.

People like you, who support the mission of the United States of America Deaf Sports Federation (USADSF) and its athletes, are the ones that can make it possible for me to accomplish my lifelong dream. I need to raise at least $7,500.00 to cover the costs of: 1) Airline Travel, 2) Payment to USADSF for the event, and 3) A new road bicycle and training expenses these items are explained as follows.
The airfare to Sofia, Bulgaria out of Ontario, CA will be $1,500 and the charges of transporting two bikes at $500 each way which sums to $2500 for first part of $7,500.
The Second part is a payment to be made to USADSF, who is the national's deaf sport federation, in order to make this year's Deaflympics happen. They are providing us the hotel, transportation, apparel, international insurance, and gifts in this package of $2,500.
The last Part of $2,500 would go to a new bicycle and training expenses; the training expenses are at $100 a month and new bicycle for my level would cost around $2,000.
As I mentioned above, the USA Deaflympians are not financially supported by the United States Olympic Committee as Olympians and Paralympians are. You can send me to the 2013 Deaflympics by making a financial contribution today. FYI - The donation for the bicycle, training expenses, and airline travel are not tax-deductible, while the donation for USADSF is tax-deductible. You may select the specific gifts by clicking one of the above wish list images if desired. Your support is appreciated!
I am more than happy to do some service in return for you or your organization such as distributing Brand name at races or events, doing a tune up (I'm certified bicycle mechanic), being a motivator speaker, doing volunteer work for the organization, and I am open to variety of suggestions.

**If you wish to pay via credit card, please select the Credit Card option at the bottom of PayPal's page after clicking on "DONATE!" **

Please follow this link to read more about me:
http://pkirrationaldevotions.wordpress.com/


Please follow this link to read more about USADSF:
http://www.usdeafsports.org/

Please follow this link to read more about USDCA (United States Deaf Cycling Association):
http://www.usdeafcycling.org/

Please follow this link to read more about the road racing events at the Deaflympics:
http://www.deaflympics.com/sports/regulations.asp?SC=Cycling Road


Much Appreciated!