This August, the World Dwarf Games celebrates its 20th anniversary. Every four years, athletes from around the world compete for international recognition at the games.
Sam Bremen is representing Austin.
Bremen works year-round at a pre-school in Central Austin. After work, he goes to grad-school. And after that, he trains. At this year’s World Dwarf Games in Michigan, Bremen will compete in soccer – his best sport – as well as bocce ball, badminton and basketball.
The competitions are fierce. Teams from 18 different countries, including Serbia, Brazil, the Netherlands and Congo will be competing. That’s almost 400 athletes from around the world, seeking triumph and a camaraderie that’s hard to find in a world of mostly average size people.
But it comes at a cost: Each athlete has to cover their expenses, from training to travel to room and board. Bremen says he’s looking for sponsors who can help him pay his way to Michigan. He says some of his students have pitched in and are cheering him on.
“I feel like I’ve been put on this Earth to try and make a difference in people that have differences,” he says.
Listen to our story about Bremen and the games in the player above.