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After earning Gold at Senior Canadian Nationals for 3 years in a row and a silver medal this year, I've earned my qualification to represent Canada for 3 major competitions.
1. Pan-American Championships (Brazil) - May 25th-31st
2. Qualification Competition for 2027 Pan-Am Olympic Games (Montreal) - June 20th
3. Commonwealth Championships (Scotland) November 5th-6th (Occurs every 2-3 years)
In 2024, despite #1 status in Canada I unfortunately could not financially afford to attend the Pan-American Championships and forfeited participation.
Thankfully with immense support from the community, in 2025 enough was fundraised to attend the Panamerican Championship (Mexico) to then bring home a bronze medal (shown in photo above)
My major goal for the next 2 years is to to qualify for the 2027 Pan-Am Games (Olympic Multi-sport). This event occurs only once every 4 years and is much harder for athletes to qualify for. On the other hand, qualifying for this event would mean receiving financial support from Canada (which is an extremely rare occurrence for karate athletes)
This year I am humbly asking again for support as on my own I can not afford on my own the multiple international competitions/trainings required toward this goal.
Due to limited financial support for karate athletes. We pay for all expenses on our own. In other words, for every competition, including the National Championships, all expenses are paid 100% out of my own pocket.
Recently, I traveled to Edmonton to coach our Junior team for their Junior National Championships. All expenses related to travel, accommodation and food were my own responsibility.
Regardless, I coach and compete in this sport for my love and passion toward it and to support my students and athletes as best as I can.
It is extremely challenging to represent Canada internationally on my own, so any contribution no matter how small is deeply appreciated.
The funds raised will be used to help cover travel and competition costs, which include airline tickets, travel insurance, accommodation, food, registration fees, and national team fees.
***GoFundMe takes a percentage of donations toward the cost of service, so I also accept donations via e-transfer (my email is in my contact info) or envelope donations to the Tiger’s Eye Karate-Do front desk.
My purpose?
I committed to continue working hard towards my dreams and passions not only for myself but for Canada, my community, my students and for all the people in my life who have helped me become a better person.
Most importantly, I wish to inspire the next generation of athletes in Canada to believe that even when faced with tremendous obstacles, with hard work, sacrifice and commitment, they can pursue their passions and make a positive impact on the people around them along the way.
I am forever grateful for my family, friends, coaches, teammates, and community. Thank you for your continued support. None of this would be possible without the incredible community and support I'm blessed to have.
Sincerely,
Fernando Aguilera