Send me to 2013 Deaflympics!

Dear Supporters,

I have a dream that you can help make come true. I am a United States Deaflympian who will compete in the 22nd Summer Deaflympics in Sofia, Bulgaria on July 26 – 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 as follows:
- 1000m Sprint 1000m
- 40km Individual Time Trial
- Road Race
- 50km Points Race


As of 05/01/2013, I just found out I'll be participating in the mountain biking event as well! So that makes 5 events representing for USA!



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 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. By May 31, 2013, I need to raise at least $7,500.00 to cover the costs of: 1) A new road bicycle and training expenses, 2) Airline Travel, and 3) Payment to USADSF for the event. These items are explained as follows.

My road bicycle just recently gave up on me last Fall and I need to replace it in order to continue training and racing at the highest level possible. The lowest level bicycle I can get by with my level is approximately $2,000. I have about 6 more months of training planned for this event and it's about $100 a month for coaching fees, which is a sum of approximately $600. That sums up to about $2,500 for the first part of $7,500.

The second part of $7,500 comes into play of having to provide my own travel to Bulgaria. I'm flying out of Grand Junction, CO, which is about $2,000. I will also need an additional $250 each way for the transportation of the bike. So, the total for airline travel is $2,500.

The third 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.

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. Once I've reached my goal, the funds may not be tax-deductible, so I really appreciate your golden heart for contributing beyond my goal!


You may select the specific gifts by clicking one of the above wish list images if desired. Your support is appreciated!

**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 watch a video from a local news station invested in my participation in Deaflympics:
http://www.nbc11news.com/sports/headlines/US-Cyclist-John-Klish-headed-to-2013-Deaflympics-200551881.html

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

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