Hey everyone,

I hope you're all doing well.

For those who don't know me, my name is Gabriel Fernandes. I was born in Brazil and moved to Australia nine years ago in search of new opportunities and a better life.

When I was 14 years old, I discovered Sumo wrestling, and it quickly became much more than just a sport. For over 12 years, Sumo taught me discipline, respect, resilience, humility, and values that have stayed with me throughout my life. During that time, I had the opportunity to compete both nationally and internationally, including placing third at the Junior World Sumo Championships in Rakvere, Estonia, in 2008.

After moving to Australia, the challenges of starting a new life, learning a new language, and building my career meant I stepped away from Sumo for almost nine years. Even though I wasn't competing, I never forgot the sport that helped shape the person I am today.

Earlier this year, I decided it was time to return to the sport I love. I founded Perth Sumo with the goal of introducing more people to Sumo and helping grow the sport here in Western Australia. Since then, I've been training hard, coaching new members, and working towards one dream—to represent Australia on the world stage.

I'm incredibly proud and excited to say that, after competing at the Oceania Sumo Championships, I have officially qualified to represent Australia at the 2026 World Sumo Championships, which will be held this October in Baku, Azerbaijan.

Representing Australia at a World Championship is an honour that means more to me than words can express. As someone who chose Australia as my home and later became an Australian citizen, wearing the green and gold is something I will never take for granted.

Unfortunately, competing internationally comes with significant costs. Flights, accommodation, transport, competition expenses, and other travel costs add up quickly. My goal is to raise $4,000 to help cover these expenses and make this incredible opportunity possible.

If you're able to contribute, no matter how small the amount, your support will go directly towards helping me represent Australia at the World Championships. If you're unable to donate, simply sharing this fundraiser with your friends and family would mean the world to me.

Thank you to everyone who has supported me so far. Your encouragement has been a huge part of this journey, and I can't wait to proudly represent Australia in Baku.

Much love,

Gabriel Fernandes