UPDATE: WE’RE IOWA BOUND! First and foremost, we want to say THANK YOU to every single person who has donated, shared our fundraiser, prayed for our athletes, and supported the mission of L&M OBEY Purpose. Your generosity and encouragement have carried us through every step of this journey. When we launched this fundraiser, we shared our dream of helping our athletes advance through the AAU championship season with hopes of earning a spot at the 2026 AAU Junior Olympic Games. Today, we are incredibly blessed to share that what started as a dream has become a reality. Through months of early morning practices, late-night workouts, countless miles, unwavering faith, and relentless perseverance, five L&M OBEY Purpose athletes have officially qualified for the 2026 AAU Junior Olympic Games in Des Moines, Iowa! Congratulations to: Brody Bailey – 800m & 1500m Demetrius “Meechie” Hudson – 800m & 1500m Celine Martinez-Reyes – 1500m Christal Martinez-Reyes – 3000m Elanie Taveras-Morel – 1500m & 3000m These young athletes have earned the opportunity to compete against some of the best athletes from across the country on one of the biggest youth track and field stages in the nation. But this accomplishment represents so much more than qualifying for a national championship. It represents the sacrifices of parents working extra hours to support their children. It represents athletes choosing discipline over comfort, showing up before sunrise, trusting the process, and refusing to quit. It represents a community that believes our youth deserve opportunities to dream big and discover what they’re capable of. At L&M OBEY Purpose, our mission has never been solely about winning races. We exist to develop young people physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually while teaching discipline, leadership, resilience, faith, and purpose. Every practice, every workout, and every competition is an opportunity to shape future leaders. Now that our athletes have qualified, we enter the most challenging part of the journey. Traveling from New Jersey to Des Moines, Iowa requires significant financial resources. Your continued support will help cover: • Transportation to Iowa • Airbnb and lodging accommodations • Competition entry fees • Meals during travel and competition • Team equipment and supplies • Athlete travel expenses • Support for families who otherwise may not be able to afford this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity Every donation—large or small—goes directly toward helping these athletes represent not only L&M OBEY Purpose but also our families, our schools, and our entire community on the national stage. If you’re unable to give financially, you can still make an incredible impact by sharing this fundraiser with your family, friends, coworkers, churches, local businesses, and social media networks. Every share expands our reach and brings us one step closer to making this dream possible for these young athletes. To everyone who has believed in our mission from day one, thank you for reminding these athletes that they are not running alone. They carry an entire community behind them. As Proverbs 16:3 reminds us: “Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.” Please continue praying for safe travels, healthy bodies, focused minds, and the opportunity for our athletes to glorify God through their effort and character. From our community to the national stage… We dream. We train. We grind. We run with PURPOSE. With gratitude, Coach Larry Ramirez Founder & Head Coach L&M OBEY Purpose Track & Field