World Dodgeball Federation World Championship in Austria

Hello, my name is Joe Martinez and I am on a journey. In 2021, I found myself in the hospital weighing 240 lbs. I had just woken up vomiting from sleep apnea and my blood test results were being read to me as all negative. I took that very personally. I started to work on my health for the sake of my children and my wife. I started eating right and started working out daily. One step at a time, I have battled through pain and addictions to get to where I am today which is 70 lbs less and ready to compete with some of the best athletes in the world. Your donation would show me that all of my hard work has meant something to someone.

After battling through my addictions and weight problems, I was fortunate enough to been selected for Team Mexico but after a disappointing result, my goals remained to win a world championship which brought me to trying out for Team USA. If I was selected for Team USA, I would then become 1 of 5 athletes to have the privilege to have represented two different countries at the WDBF World Dodgeball Championships. I have had to battle through a rigorous try out process.

After a mentally and physically gruelling process, I am excited to announce that I have recently been selected by USA Dodgeball to compete for Team USA at this year's World Dodgeball Championship in Graz, Austria August 11th-18th. I started playing dodgeball in 2013 in the parking lot of the Alamo Dome and I could have never predicted that this amazing sport would elevate me to new heights. I created Outsiders Dodgeball team alongside my wife and stepsons 7 years ago. We have all worked extremely hard to make it to where we are which is chasing gold. The guidance and support I’ve received to get to where I am today is something I’m forever grateful for and any donations received for this opportunity pushes me that much further. I am asking for donations which will go towards airfare, hotel, supplies and transportation to the tournament venue. See you in Graz. Gold Medal Bound.