Lourdes Gatti, an 18-year-old judoka from Rosario, Argentina, has secured her place on the national team for the upcoming World Judo Championships for Athletes with Down Syndrome, scheduled to take place from August 5 to 9 in Lindesberg, Sweden, according to local reports. After launching her competitive career just last year and capturing a South American title, she now faces a race against time to secure travel funding.
Path to the World Championships and Competitive Rise
Gatti has practiced judo since the age of nine, training out of Club Banco Nación under the guidance of coaches Rubén Basualdo and Gabriela Valenti, as reported by Diario Santa Fe. She represents both the Federación Argentina de Deportes para Atletas con Síndrome de Down (Fadasd) and the Federación de Judo Santafesina. After turning her long-held ambitions toward formal competition last year, Gatti quickly rose through the ranks to claim the South American championship in her category, earning her official selection for the national squad heading to Scandinavia.
Financial Hurdles and Community Fundraising Efforts
While Gatti has secured her athletic qualification on the mat, the journey to Lindesberg depends on resolving significant out-of-pocket expenses. According to her family, the remaining financial challenge involves covering airfares, tournament registration, and accommodation before a mid-May deadline. To bridge the gap, the Gatti family has organized local raffles and food sales, alongside gathering individual contributions. Gatti is part of a broader national delegation that includes competitors from Bahía Blanca, Formosa, Mar del Plata, the City of Buenos Aires, and Colón in Entre Ríos.
How to Support the Argentine Delegation
Supporters looking to assist with the travel costs for Gatti’s trip to Sweden can coordinate directly through her family. Her brother, Nahuel Gatti—who is scheduled to travel with her—is handling local coordination at 3412801387, with digital contributions accepted via the Mercado Pago alias nahue.almafuerte.mp under the name Nahuel Gatti.
Next Steps on the Road to Lindesberg
The family and local athletic federations face a critical mid-May deadline to finalize ticket purchases and complete registration requirements ahead of the opening matches in Sweden on August 5.
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