Help get Ugandan Snowboarder to 2022 Olympics

I grew up in a village outside Kampala, Uganda, with my father and six siblings. At age 12 I reunited with my mother in Lincoln, Massachusetts, and ultimately moved in with a local family who later went on to adopt me, and we moved to Jackson, Wyoming. 

I didn't intend to become a snowboarder. With eyes set on becoming a doctor, I found solace in the sport that challenged my abilities, my character, my patience and my drive. It brought me community as when I felt isolated, and it humbled me a young, restless teen. Snowboarding and I grew up together.

Despite living in America now, I remain deeply connected with my home country. I am a frequent visitor to visit my family, engage in community work, and pay my respects to the land of my formative years and played a hand in the man I am today. In my American community, I represent Uganda.

I had my heart set on participating in the PyeongChang 2018 Winter Games, sidelined by an unexpected heart attack in early 2017. I've since made a full recovery, and refocus myself on 2022.

The Olympics represent more than just individual athletes - the Games unite nations near and far, of all races, religions and backgrounds. Uganda has never competed in the Winter Games, and it's time they join the fun. This is my vision.

For the past 4 years, I have been dedicated to my training, consistently competing and progressing to elite levels. The reality has become, I can't do this alone. Funds are short and earning the necessary points I need requires fees, travel and money.

Today I am asking for help to inspire not only a country and a continent, but a community of young African athletes, snowboarders from every nation, and the world. This historic run would instill and inspire belief, courage, gratitude and determination, as we, together, create a world where anything is possible. This exceeds sports; this is an opportunity to bring a country, the people of Africa, and the world together. 

My intention is to raise 70k - the amount that would cover the cost of the upcoming season and create a World Cup quota spot for Uganda as we approach the 2022 Winter Olympic qualifications starting in May 2020. These funds would make it possible for me, Brolin, to attend all the needed competitions for the 2019/2020 season, and give Uganda, a small winter federation, an opportunity for Uganda to compete with the larger winter federations and programs making an Olympic run.

Thank you for contributions. You, too, are a part of Team Africa.

Brolin Mawejje

To learn more about Brolin, watch the full length documentary Far From Home. Link: https://www.redbull.com/int-en/films/AP-1MBSJVZ2W2111