Support Martial Arts in Costa Rica
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Martial Arts community, one of our members needs our help. Alex Zuniga was recently required to leave his home of over 20 years and return back to Costa Rica to resolve his green card status. Despite his circumstance, Alex has found a way to give back to his native community and it is my hope we can come together to support his generosity. Please take a moment to learn of Alex’s story and an opportunity to support martial arts in Pueblo Nuevo de Rivas de Perez Zeledon, Costa Rica.
Alex was born in Costa Rica and at the age of 19, came to the US in search of an opportunity for a better life. Alex quickly found the love of martial arts and has been an active member of the PNW martial arts community for the past two decades. He’s trained with Charles Pearson in Everett and the likes of Mario Miranda and Shad Lierley, along with Ivan Salaverry and his team in Seattle. Alex competed at both an amateur and professional level in grappling and mixed martial arts.
After living in the PNW for over 20 years, this last May Alex was notified that he needed to return home for a short period to resolve his green card status. Due to factors outside of Alex’s control, six months later he is still required to remain in Costa Rica while his legal team works diligently to restore his ability to live and work in the US. At this point in time, they are estimating it will take another 8-12 months.
Despite having his life ripped out from under him, Alex has seized this opportunity to reconnect with family and friends in Costa Rica. During this time, Alex was moved by the number of families struggling in poverty and the children that were paying the price. Many of these children are victims of physical and sexual abuse, and Alex knew he needed to do something to give back. He quickly established a gym, offering grappling and striking classes to the neighborhood kids. His humble academy has rapidly grown to 20 students, which Alex provides to the community for free. Alex has already seen an incredible transformation in his students through boost in confidence and outlook on life.
Alex currently shoulders the financial burden of rent, utilities, etc. to keep his door open for the community. Given that he cannot maintain his painting business in Seattle, Alex is currently eroding his personal savings to support his gym. To help maintain the $350/month facilities costs, I am asking our community to support Alex’s selfless effort to help others.
Our goal is to raise enough funds to cover a year’s worth of expenses, of which I will personally match the highest donation received, up to $1,000. Please consider contributing to this campaign and share Alex’s story within your network.
Alex was born in Costa Rica and at the age of 19, came to the US in search of an opportunity for a better life. Alex quickly found the love of martial arts and has been an active member of the PNW martial arts community for the past two decades. He’s trained with Charles Pearson in Everett and the likes of Mario Miranda and Shad Lierley, along with Ivan Salaverry and his team in Seattle. Alex competed at both an amateur and professional level in grappling and mixed martial arts.
After living in the PNW for over 20 years, this last May Alex was notified that he needed to return home for a short period to resolve his green card status. Due to factors outside of Alex’s control, six months later he is still required to remain in Costa Rica while his legal team works diligently to restore his ability to live and work in the US. At this point in time, they are estimating it will take another 8-12 months.
Despite having his life ripped out from under him, Alex has seized this opportunity to reconnect with family and friends in Costa Rica. During this time, Alex was moved by the number of families struggling in poverty and the children that were paying the price. Many of these children are victims of physical and sexual abuse, and Alex knew he needed to do something to give back. He quickly established a gym, offering grappling and striking classes to the neighborhood kids. His humble academy has rapidly grown to 20 students, which Alex provides to the community for free. Alex has already seen an incredible transformation in his students through boost in confidence and outlook on life.
Alex currently shoulders the financial burden of rent, utilities, etc. to keep his door open for the community. Given that he cannot maintain his painting business in Seattle, Alex is currently eroding his personal savings to support his gym. To help maintain the $350/month facilities costs, I am asking our community to support Alex’s selfless effort to help others.
Our goal is to raise enough funds to cover a year’s worth of expenses, of which I will personally match the highest donation received, up to $1,000. Please consider contributing to this campaign and share Alex’s story within your network.
Organizer
Cory Schutz
Organizer
Seattle, WA