2021 Deaflympics - USA Deaf Men’s Basketball

Hello, my name is Benjamin Coleman and I am fundraising in order to have the opportunity to compete in the 24th Deaflympics in Brazil. (May 1st - 15th, 2022)

I have been selected to represent the National USA Deaf Men’s Basketball team.

 

Each player on the USA national team must raise and pay their own way into the competitions. Although we will be competing against countries who pay their players only if they medal.

 

I have been fortunate to represent the USA Deaf Men’s basketball team in the past during the 2013 Deaflympics in Sofia, Bulgaria and the 2019 Deaf World Cup in Lublin, Poland.

2013 - Bronze Medalist

2019 - Gold Medalist

 

Basketball has meant the world to me and it has shown me the world.

 

It has given me the opportunities in life to become the person that I am today.

 

In 2011, I graduated from Graham High School in St. Paris, Ohio. I was recruited to play at Gallaudet University, in Washington DC. The only Deaf University in the world.

 

During my 5 years as a student-athlete at Gallaudet, I played three sports (football, basketball and baseball). I was a captain for the basketball team for 3 years during my 4 year basketball career. Captain of the baseball and football team for 1 year. After my playing career, I was the grad-assistant baseball coach for 1 year at Gallaudet before I decided to be a Head Coach for 13u-16u Dig In Baseball team for 3 years.

 

I have taught and coached student-athletes from Gallaudet University, Montgomery County, and all over Maryland for the past 5 years.

 

Currently I’m a PE/Health Teacher at Maryland School for the Deaf in Columbia and the Head Coach for the Varsity Girl’s Basketball team at Maryland School for the Deaf in Frederick. Along with dreams and goals to give back to the communities that have helped me grow tremendously.

 

Just a kid with severe hearing loss that started shooting a ball on a graveled driveway in St. Paris, Ohio to shooting a ball for the Gold medal around the world.

 

It would mean the world to me for your support and donation to make this opportunity possible.

For checks or other methods, please message me via text, messenger or email.

P.S.
if I’m unable to go, all money will be sent back to its rightful owner.