12/10/2022
Karel Leon, a T3 Honu member is back in Columbia managing his coffee business and continuing to ride. Today, he is helping to fundraiser eye surgery for Sam — to treat is eye condition, and also to get him a lighter, reliable bike to race bmx….please consider this gofund to help Sam with his surgery….
He was extremely shy, overweight, big glasses, bullied at school. Lonely at home -as their parents got divorced not long ago. He was a kid with little hopes and no purpose. However, BMX cycling came as a blessing in the form of a used bike that was barely drivable. He loved it.
I met Sam during the pandemic of 2020 in Medellin, Colombia. Sam is the nephew of a close friend. I noticed he was bicycling every day non-stop at the bike ramps nearby during the pandemic. Because his determination, he got an opportunity to train for a local BMX club with a loan bike.
Sam has no sponsors, his parents are low-income and have no resources. Sam has a disability that impedes him to see the track well. He doesn’t see close or far away -just blurred lines and silhouettes -Sam competes by memorizing the track!
This is why we have started a campaign for Sam to treat is eye condition, and also to get him a lighter, reliable bike to be in equal conditions to compete.
Yet despite all difficulties, fast forward 2022. Sam is a very different teen. He has reached top # 6 in 2022 for his state and in his category.
Please help us to make a difference for this fellow cyclist so he can keep pedaling for his dream to represent his country in the Olympics.
Sam's story is, unfortunately, typical of vulnerable youths in Medellin, Colombia. Growin… Karel Leon needs your support for Supporting Sam's Olympic Dreams!