Olympic horse riding dream
Donation protected
Soaring to the Olympics
One Young Hopeful’s Impossible Dream!
Coming of age in the Gaza Strip, Palestine, is challenging bordering on hopeless. But MAHMOUD OLWAN has always dreamed of a full, productive life. Growing up around horses and being part of a local horse club helped keep his hopes alive for a better future. Dedication and discipline in his late teens led him to be named Gaza's best horse-jumping athlete. Mahmoud could not ignore his deep draw to be part of Olympic competition. Before long, visionary horse breeder and trainer Andras Szieberth sponsored Mahmoud's journey to Prairie Pines Sporthorses in Florida. On the very day the U.S Consulate in Jerusalem approved his visa, Mahmoud met the Rev. Mark Stanger who was visiting his church's hospital in Gaza .
A series of coincidences and the magic of the internet brought Rev. Mark into contact with Bonnie Rider-Martin who owns and directs the Echo Glen Equestrian Center in Oregon. Her premium approved Holsteiner stallion Corteo had been waiting for the right rider to unleash his powerful potential as an Olympic competitor. After introductions and testing the waters, Mahmoud moved to Oregon where he now works for Wells Fargo Bank and dedicates several hours each week with Corteo at Echo Glen. Under the direction of The Chase's nationally-recognized trainer and judge Eric Noel , Mahmoud and Corteo are working diligently to master the skills, teamwork and experience needed for Olympic competition.
Until now, these and other generous believers in Mahmoud and his dream have been able to help him reach this critical moment. Regional professional competition will supply Mahmoud and Corteo with the refinement, competence and energy to reach Olympic potential. Even with targeted, strategic choices and budget accommodations, the costs associated with travel to and participation in these necessary events is our steep but soaring challenge for 2019. Will you join in the excitement and generous support necessary to cheer Mahmoud all the way to the Olympics?
Enjoy the video! As you will discover, Mahmoud's young dream is taking real-world shape. Beneath all the hard work, long hours, disappointments and achievements along the way, his dream is brighter and more alive than ever.
Present needs include:
· horse care: boarding, veterinary fees, furrier fees, supplements
· riding gear and showing apparel: saddles, pads, reins; boots, jacket, helmet, etc.
· competition fees, barn rent, lodging for trainer and rider
· trainer compensation
· transportation of horse
· photography, publicity
Previous expenses to be recovered:
· relocation from Florida to Oregon
· housing
· instruction
· local competition fees
· horse care
· rider apparel and gear
Organizer
Mahmoud Olwan
Organizer
Beaverton, OR
