NC Sumo is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to growing the sport of sumo in North Carolina through education, competition, and community. Every practice, tournament, and outreach event is made possible by volunteers, dedicated athletes, and countless hours of hard work.

Recently, our founder and head coach, Eric Huynh, experienced something no one expects. His vehicle was broken into, and the thieves stole a bag containing nearly all of our club's essential equipment.

The most heartbreaking loss was our 15 competition mawashi belts, the traditional belts worn by every sumo athlete. A mawashi is more than just part of the uniform. It is the foundation of the sport. Without one, an athlete simply cannot compete. Each belt costs between $160 and $200, and every single one was purchased over time through fundraising, personal sacrifices, and the generosity of our coach and members.

In addition to the mawashi, the thieves also stole:

For a large organization, these losses might be an inconvenience. For a small nonprofit like ours, they represent years of hard work disappearing overnight.

We are asking for $10,000 to help us rebuild stronger than ever.

How Your Donation Will Be Used

Our goal isn't just to replace what was stolen. We want to rebuild stronger and create a sustainable future for NC Sumo.

$10,000 Rebuilding Budget

Item Estimated Cost

Replace 15 Competition Mawashi (traditional sumo belts) | $3,000 |

Training & Medical Supplies (athletic tape, finger tape, mat tape, first aid supplies, cleaning supplies) | $800 |

Replacement Training Equipment (bags, storage bins, cones, resistance bands, miscellaneous gear) | $1,200 |

Coach's Vehicle Repairs (damage caused during the break-in) | $1,000 |

Event & Outreach Equipment (equipment needed for demonstrations, tournaments, and community events) | $1,000 |

Youth Sumo Program (equipment and resources to introduce more kids to the sport) | $1,500 |

Training Space & Equipment Storage Fund (help secure a safe place to store our gear and continue growing the club) | $1,500 |

Total Goal: $10,000

Every dollar goes directly toward rebuilding NC Sumo and ensuring we can continue serving athletes, families, and the North Carolina community.

If we exceed our goal, every additional dollar will go toward expanding our youth program, purchasing additional competition equipment, hosting more community events, and taking the next steps toward establishing North Carolina's first dedicated sumo training center.

Your support will help us:

While this fundraiser began because of a theft, our vision reaches far beyond replacing what was lost. We want to build something even stronger: a permanent home for NC Sumo, where future generations can discover the sport, develop confidence, and become part of a welcoming community.

Every donation, no matter the amount, helps preserve one of the world's oldest sports while giving athletes of all ages a place to train, compete, and belong.

If you're unable to donate, sharing this campaign with your friends, family, and community is another incredible way to support us.

On behalf of everyone at NC Sumo, thank you for believing in our mission. Your kindness reminds us that while equipment can be stolen, a community cannot.

Celebrate the Journey With Us

We want this campaign to be more than a fundraiser. We want it to be a celebration of the incredible community that stands behind NC Sumo.

As we reach fundraising milestones, we'll celebrate together by hosting giveaways, sharing exclusive content, and creating unforgettable experiences for our supporters.

Every donation, every share, and every word of encouragement brings us one step closer to rebuilding NC Sumo and creating a permanent home where athletes can train, compete, and inspire the next generation.

Thank you for helping us write the next chapter of NC Sumo's story. ⚡

NC Sumo is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and every contribution directly supports our mission of growing the sport of sumo through education, competition, and community outreach.