Argentine judoka Ignacio Zeballos seeks funding for Mexico trip

Fourteen-year-old judoka Ignacio Zeballos needs financial assistance to cover travel, lodging, and official competition gear in order to represent Argentina at the upcoming Pan-American Under-15 Judo Championships in Cancún, Mexico. The competition is scheduled to take place in a month.

Zeballos, an athlete from Rosario, has been practicing judo for nearly ten years after starting at age five, and competes in the under-66 category. His coach, Gaston Viglione, explained that the team is currently in the final stages of preparation, refining techniques, speed, and weight. Como siempre, necesitamos una mano de todos, un poquito, para que se puedan cumplir algunos sueños de deportistas, chicos que eligieron como deporte un arte marcial y que hoy el sustento de ellos es la familia del club, de la subcomisión y de los profes Viglione stated.

Zeballos Seeks Donations and Sponsorships for Trip

To secure the necessary funds for the trip, Zeballos and his supporters are accepting cash donations, business sponsorships, and advertising partnerships. The young athlete has also shared direct payment channels for public contributions. Supporters can send funds to the account alias Nacho.Judo, registered under account holder Gustavo Alberto Zeballos. Additionally, Zeballos and his supporters are selling raffle tickets, and interested contributors can reach out through his Instagram account at Nacho Zeballos.

Training and Disciplinary Values

Viglione emphasized the comprehensive nature of the sport, noting that judo teaches practitioners how to fall and get back up, while also fostering good habits regarding nutrition to manage weight categories. Zeballos recalled that he began the sport after visiting a friend’s house and subsequently asking his father for permission to train. Reflecting on the discipline, Zeballos noted that it teaches respect, trust in partners, mutual care, and self-protection.

Despite the ongoing efforts to gather funds through sponsorships, donations, and raffles, it remains unconfirmed whether Zeballos will successfully collect the full amount required for travel, lodging, and official attire ahead of the tournament in Mexico.