Sweet 16 Taekwondo Dreams

Family, Friends and Community,

I need help from My Community. I am seeking sponsorship or donations to help me meet my goal of being an USA Olympian.

I am a 16-year-old, Black, female athlete from Seattle, Washington who competes Nationally and Internationally as a black belt fighter in Taekwondo.  I have been fortunate to have been able to develop my skills and talents that have allowed me to compete at an elite level. 


However, being on two National Teams, the Taekwondo Association National Team and the USA Junior National Team, requires a lot of funds for training, tournament costs, proper nutrition, airfare, hotel stay, coaching fees, and gear.  I am ranked in the top two in the USA Junior Division and am working hard to maintain this ranking.


My mother and her family have provided financial support since I began fighting at age 7, but collectively we do not have the amount of funds it takes for me to meet all the costs.  My Mom is a single parent.  She puts all her extra money and time into making my dream come true.  It just isn’t enough.

I need some help and have a strong desire to be sponsored by my community.   So, I am reaching out to you for support.  


 I train six days a week for 2 to 3 hours and fight regularly in tournaments across the US and some in other countries.  I was selected to train in Korea twice before and went again this past summer after earning a spot on the team.  Additionally, I have twice attended extensive training at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado.  Also, I was invited to train at the La Loma Training Center, a state of the art, high altitude training center in Mexico, where many Olympic athletes come to train.  I  am currently at a 20-day training camp at the Olympic Training Center where Olympic coaches will be assessing me for the 2028 Olympic Development Team.

I want to say thank you to all those who have helped me so far as I continue to reach for my Taekwondo dreams, this has truly been a life changing and affirming experience for me.

Sincerely,
Akilah Franklin