Send Ziggy To Worlds!
Donation protected
Hello, everyone! My name is Ziggy Norberg. I recently competed at the US Team Trials in Gainesville, Georgia and earned a spot on the Paracanoe National Team! This is will be my fourth time representing the U.S. at the ICF Paracanoe World Championships. I will be racing the va'a, a rudderless outrigger canoe, in a 200 meter sprint in the trunk/arms classification. This years' Worlds are in the Czech Republic, but I won't get there without your help!
I'm 23 and a junior at The Evergreen State College studying pre-law with an emphasis on sports and disability. I live in Olympia, WA and train with the Gig Harbor Canoe Kayak Racing Team. I was born with Spina Bifida and use a wheelchair. For the last 6 years, I have dedicated myself to achieving at the highest level in my sport, and it wouldn't be possible without your support!
In 2016, I achieved a 6th place finish at Worlds and was only a couple seconds off the podium. I am training hard and on track to improve my time for 2017! I don't want to jinx it, but I feel a medal in my future! :)
I pride myself on being more than society expects me to be. I have always made an effort, even if I was the only person with a disability, to try new things and pursue my interests. I have been fortunate enough to be able to give back to the community in a variety of ways. I've organized paracanoe camps for the local disability community, talked to college students going into rehab and other disability related careers and been an active advocate for disability right around the country. I have also had the amazing opportunity introduce the community to many Paralympic sports.
I have always made a point to put myself forward without reservation. I feel a responsibility to represent the disability community and fight against stereotypes of what an individual with a disability can do or can be. This has fueled much of the success I've had in the sport of paracanoe. While dealing with a disability isn't always fun, having a sense of humor and a positive attitude definitely helps!
As I prepare for the World Championships; my schedule is pretty hectic! I am busy at school 4 days a week, on the water 6 days a week, in the gym 3 times a week and I play wheelchair basketball twice a week. In my free time, I like to eat and sometimes even sleep! I am preparing for the 4 year push to the 2020 Paralympics in Tokyo, Japan where outrigger is scheduled to debut.
With all the effort I am putting in, It still isn’t enough. I need you! There is little funding for this sport in the U.S. When I go to international competitions, I am competing against athletes who are receiving full time funding and support. Your contribution, no matter how small helps cover many expenses. I could not accomplish anything without the unwavering support of my family, friends and other generous, amazing people! I am eternally grateful! Thanks for your support of my athletic journey. Whether you have known me my whole life or this is your first time hearing my story, thank you!!!
I'm 23 and a junior at The Evergreen State College studying pre-law with an emphasis on sports and disability. I live in Olympia, WA and train with the Gig Harbor Canoe Kayak Racing Team. I was born with Spina Bifida and use a wheelchair. For the last 6 years, I have dedicated myself to achieving at the highest level in my sport, and it wouldn't be possible without your support!
In 2016, I achieved a 6th place finish at Worlds and was only a couple seconds off the podium. I am training hard and on track to improve my time for 2017! I don't want to jinx it, but I feel a medal in my future! :)
I pride myself on being more than society expects me to be. I have always made an effort, even if I was the only person with a disability, to try new things and pursue my interests. I have been fortunate enough to be able to give back to the community in a variety of ways. I've organized paracanoe camps for the local disability community, talked to college students going into rehab and other disability related careers and been an active advocate for disability right around the country. I have also had the amazing opportunity introduce the community to many Paralympic sports.
I have always made a point to put myself forward without reservation. I feel a responsibility to represent the disability community and fight against stereotypes of what an individual with a disability can do or can be. This has fueled much of the success I've had in the sport of paracanoe. While dealing with a disability isn't always fun, having a sense of humor and a positive attitude definitely helps!
As I prepare for the World Championships; my schedule is pretty hectic! I am busy at school 4 days a week, on the water 6 days a week, in the gym 3 times a week and I play wheelchair basketball twice a week. In my free time, I like to eat and sometimes even sleep! I am preparing for the 4 year push to the 2020 Paralympics in Tokyo, Japan where outrigger is scheduled to debut.
With all the effort I am putting in, It still isn’t enough. I need you! There is little funding for this sport in the U.S. When I go to international competitions, I am competing against athletes who are receiving full time funding and support. Your contribution, no matter how small helps cover many expenses. I could not accomplish anything without the unwavering support of my family, friends and other generous, amazing people! I am eternally grateful! Thanks for your support of my athletic journey. Whether you have known me my whole life or this is your first time hearing my story, thank you!!!
Organizer
Ziggy Norberg
Organizer
Olympia, WA
