My name is George Qadado. I am a first-generation Palestinian American from Richmond Virginia — and I am the first track cyclist in world history to officially represent Palestine on the UCI international circuit as an Endurance specialist.

Today, I am formally declaring my intention to compete at the LA2028 Olympic Games for Palestine.

This is not about personal glory. My legs carry something far greater than singular ambitions. They carry the names of athletes who never got the chance — over 800 Palestinian athletes have been killed since October 7, 2023 - and even more remain wrongly imprisoned. 250+ sports facilities have been bombed, burned, or bulldozed. What is happening is beyond just genocide, it is sporticide. I ride because they cannot.

I am currently the only able-bodied professional Palestinian cyclist in the world.

I match the conviction of my counterparts, the Gaza Sunbirds - who inspire me daily to match their conviction with their own successes on the UCI Road para-cycling circuit.

I owe it to them — and to every Palestinian child who has ever dreamed of competing — to do this.

Palestinian athletes are not just footballers and fighters. We are swimmers, runners, rock climbers, weightlifters, and cyclists. Our talent runs deeper than the world has been allowed to see. Endurance is in our DNA.

We do not need pity. We need presence.

In just one year, entirely self-funded, with a 10-year old bicycle and 15+ year old equipment, I have climbed to the top 300 UCI Endurance Track Cyclists in the world — with no federation support, no sponsors, and no external funding.

I spend approximately $25,000 annually on cycling, nearly half of it on travel alone, all out of my own pocket with a full-time day job. I have strong results already in 2026, and the 2026 Asian Games in Tokyo — a critical qualifying window — is the next major milestone on the road to LA 2028.

As a proud 1st generation Palestinian American raised by two hardworking parents from Nazareth, it is not in my nature to ask for help. Believe me, I would rather see direct aid go to individuals & boots on the ground organization - but this campaign is bigger than one person, and I cannot complete it alone. Visibility is a form of aid. Representation is a form of resistance.

Palestine belongs at the Olympics.

I am raising $50,000 over the next two years to fund the travel, preparation, and competition costs required to qualify Palestine for the 2028 Olympic Games in track cycling. Every dollar goes directly toward race entries, equipment, and the international events that build the international experience & exposure needed to get to Los Angeles - but not just to get there - but to succeed.

If you believe Palestine deserves to stand on the Olympic stage — not as a symbol of suffering, but as equals, as competitors, and as champions — I am asking you to be part of this team.

Share this campaign. Follow the journey. And if you are able to, consider contributing to my fund.

Love, peace and blessings,

— George