More than medals

I’d appreciate you taking a moment to read this.

Two kids. I met Valentina and Fabian a few weeks ago, in a house full of young judokas, where people spoke about sport with joy in their eyes — and I left with a genuine sense of hope.

Two gold medals. Today, Valentina and Fabian are national judo champions (U14–U16). Last weekend, they took first place, and now they have the chance to represent Romania at the Balkan Championships in Greece.

Two sensei. Behind them are two remarkable human beings who are so much more than coaches, Marius Stanciu și Marian Maria — they are support, stability, and family. They guide them, protect them, and believe in them, day after day, year after year.

They are children growing up in care, living in family homes built by Hope and Homes for Children — kids who, in a world that hasn’t always been easy, have found direction, strength, and meaning through sport.

Behind these medals are countless hours of hard work, discipline, and courage.

They have everything they need… except the financial support to take the next step.

I’m raising €5,000 for Valentina and Fabian — to cover everything they need to keep moving forward: travel, accommodation, competitions, equipment, and ongoing support. More than anything, I want them to feel seen, supported, and not alone.

Let’s help them carry this forward — not just two gold medals, but a real chance to keep going.

Help me help them.

Grateful for your support.