Funding for pan American open

In 1996 at the age of eleven my father signed me up to attend the YMCA judo camp in port Jervis, NY. Already having prior knowledge in jujitsu since the age of seven most of the techniques, customs and principals I was learning at the camp was already familiar to me. I was immediately hooked on to the sport of judo and fueled with the burning desire to become a respected black belt in judo. I had a lot of early success in competition as a beginner and was highly motivated to compete and achieve the highest level of judo skills possible. I took several breaks away from training and developing a proper judo skill set during my child hood to play other sports but my love for judo and to achieve a high level of respect in the sport never changed.

After graduating high school in 2003 I started training in judo again at Westchester judo club under French instructor Souvo Soriano and Brazilian competitor Leonardo Lopes. I trained and competed diligently in many local and junior tournaments for three years, earning the achievement of becoming a Shodan (1st degree black belt in judo). After attending national training camps in lake placid, Jimmy Pedro Judo Center, Jason Morris Judo Center and a few other international camps and tournaments in Florida and Canada my experiences and skill set in judo began to grow.

I am now ranked #5 in the country in the senior male 66kg elite division and currently train out of Jason Morris Judo Center in Schenectady.

In 2013 I started competing in the 66kg division and won a bronze medal in the Ontario international open, a silver medal in the 2013 international AM-Can challenge, a silver in the international Dallas Invitational and a 5th place finish in the 2013 President's Cup. The following year I placed 2nd in the 2014 Liberty Bell classic, a 7th place finish at the 2014 Sr.. Nationals in Reno Nevada, 2nd at the 2014 13th Morris cup championships, 3rd in 2014 Ontario championships and 3rd in the 2014 Presidents Cup Championship.

When I am not on the mat training from Monday- Saturday I work overnight from Thursday- Saturday with the mentally and physically disabled as a residential counselor for the center of disability services. I also work periodically during the week for the resource center for independent living and the alternative living group as a community habilitation aid. Both positions require me to work one on one with individuals with special needs. My goals for the rest of the year is to earn a medal competing over seas in South America in Uruguay or Argentina, boost my national ranking up to top 3 in the country and win a medal at this years Sr. National championships. Elite level competition is not only physically demanding but financially demanding and any contribution big or small would be greatly appreciated as I try to accomplish my goals. I want to thank you all for your support, and I hope to make you all proud! TEAM USA!