No-Handed Bandit Paralympic Dreams

My name is Samoana Matagi and in December of 2010, I was in a tragic work accident involving electrical powerlines. The accident caused burns to both my hands and it was necessary for both to be amputated.

It was a life changing tragedy that caused a deep depression and feeling of lonliness. There were many there to help me in my struggles and because of those struggles, the No-Handed Bandit was born. https://youtu.be/MLIKPEGDrvs

This was a way to return the favor given to me by all those who gave support during my reecovery. It also was a way to curb depression by creating a free resource for any who found themselves in the same situation.

Along with serving others, a new hobby also played a role in my recovery - snowboarding. I always say that anything is possible, but video gaming, although technically possible, became a chore. My brother encouraged me to try snowboarding.

Soon I became involved in the sport of para-snowboardcross. It was a place where I could comepete with people on a similar playing field, so to speak. This was a breath of  fresh air to be competing in something again.

It is approximately $6000 per season and including the 2018 season, I will need  $18000. I need to raise this money to purchase equipment, pay for training, travel, and race entry fees to keep me competitive this year. My goal is to go to the Paralympic Games in 2018.

Without this help, it will be very difficult to make the Paralympic games. I believe anything is possible with the right attitude, the right resources and I'm asking for your help.

To follow the No-Handed Bandit's journey on facebook click https://www.facebook.com/TheNoHandedBandit