Ex-Big Brother star seeks backing for Deaflympics journey
LOUISIANA (KTAL/KMSS) — Matt Klotz, a USA Nationals' deaf swimming athlete and LSU Tiger alumni, is seeking public support to fund his trip to the Deaflympics in Tokyo this November.
According to GoFundMe, Matt Klotz was the first-ever deaf contestant featured on Big Brother 25, where he shared his struggles growing up; people told him he would never succeed.
Organizer Linda Klotz says the 2023 deaf world record holder has his eyes set on the 4th Deaflympic meet. However, according to the American Deaf Swim Team, 'deaf sports do not receive any financial support from the US Olympic Committee or Federal Government.'
Louisiana teen overcomes train wreck, spinal injuries to graduate
'Swimming became his focus and motivation in a world where he did not believe in himself because others didn't.'
Linda Klotz says, 'He never gave up and earned his BS in Kinesiology from LSU, where he swam as a D1 athlete. He has competed many times in USA Nationals, USA Olympic Trials, and the Deaflympics representing Team USA.'
She details that the trip will cost approximately $10,000 in fees, training, equipment, and travel expenses. The GoFundMe is set at $4,000.
Linda says if individuals prefer to donate for a tax-deductible expense, they can make a donation to the United States Deaf Swimming Team and add 'IN HONOR OF MATT KLOTZ' in the notes so he receives the funding support.
The Deaflympics, taking place from November 15 to 26, 2025, in Tokyo.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
6 hours ago
- Yahoo
More than £3k raised after crash left rider ‘feeling very lucky to be walking away'
MORE than £3,000 has been raised to repair machinery after a nasty crash left Oxford Cheetahs rider Cameron Heeps 'feeling very lucky to be walking away'. In Heat 12 of the Championship opener at home against Scunthorpe Scorpions, Zaine Kennedy cut across Heeps on the third bend, and in the following collision, Heeps hit the air fence at high speed. He was treated by medics and miraculously came away from the incident with no broken bones, but he was unable to continue due to lots of bruising and soft tissue damage, and he will take some time to recover before making his Cheetahs return. READ ALSO: Former U's loanee in star-studded squad for Under-21 Euros His bike was considerably damaged, with Oxford Speedway Supporters Club chairman Gavin Beckley creating a GoFundMe to help replace equipment. Alongside a track collection, more than £3,000 has been raised following a £2,000 target. Heeps said: 'I can't thank the supporters enough. It's blown me away the support that I have at Oxford and the amount of money that the fans have raised for me. I'm a bit speechless, because I can't say thank you enough. 'I'm so grateful because I don't have to stress about how I'm going to pay to repair the bike. I think the engine, the carby [carburettor], clutch and the seat are all we could save. A good 80 per cent of the bike has gone into the bin, but we can now put it back to how it was. 'The air fence and fence behind it both did their job. The fence behind was strong enough not to completely break, but weak enough to have plenty of give. It was the perfect mix. 'They did a great job when they rebuilt the track when speedway came back, they knew what they were doing and it was spot on. 'My brain wants to get back racing, but my body is telling me to hold on a bit. I took a pretty big hit, and I'll come back when I'm feeling comfortable. 'I don't think I could ever pay the fans back, they've gone above and beyond. But once I'm back, I'll put on a show and hopefully myself and the rest of the boys and can bring back some silverware for them.' To donate, please visit:
Yahoo
18 hours ago
- Yahoo
Shreveport Fitness Day: Celebrity personal trainer Kory Phillips brings it home this weekend
SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS) – If you've been wanting to achieve a celebrity look this summer without the celebrity budget, this weekend might be the perfect opportunity to get started for native and celebrity personal trainer Kory Phillips will be in town this weekend to host King's Weekend, a celebration of Shreveport's Fitness Day. Known for training celebrities like Kai Cenat, Halle Bailey and many others 'the king of fitness' hopes to always keep fitness here right at home. Kai Cenat goes from King to Headmaster with launch of Streamer University, Louisiana native joins him According to Phillips, the day officially started in 2019 when then Shreveport Mayor Adrian Perkins proclaimed June 8, Shreveport Fitness Day, after attending the successful Weight No More 5k campaign and another Father's Day 5k on the same day. The Weight No More 5K was a benefit race dedicated to combating obesity. Founded by Toya Wright, a businesswoman and TV personality, along with her now husband, Robert 'Red' Rushing. The event aimed to raise awareness and support for this important issue. Kory, who was the couple's trainer, played a role in the race's organization. As part of a nationwide tour, the race traveled to several cities across the United States, with the Shreveport event taking place at Southern Hills Park. Join Kory and his team at Lovely Bodies Fitness this weekend for a two-day event designed to bring the city back together once again! Event Schedule: Friday, June 6: Line Dancing with Bre at 7:15 p.m. CT Don your cowboy boots and get ready to dance! Saturday, June 7: King of Fitness Revenge Body Group Strength Training at 7 a.m. You can attend the event in person at 3940 Lakeshore Drive in Shreveport or join the 7 a.m. class live on Twitch. No registration is required, just come ready to sweat and have fun! Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
19 hours ago
- Yahoo
2025 Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl gets date, time
SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS) – The 49th annual Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl on ESPN is set for Tuesday, December 30, at 1 p.m. CST. 'The December 30th afternoon game should provide us with a great opportunity to promote the Independence Bowl, Radiance Technologies, and the Shreveport-Bossier community on the national stage,' said 2025 Independence Bowl Foundation Chair Sarah Giglio. 'We look forward to hosting an exciting Bowl Week for fans after the Christmas holiday and creating an electric atmosphere around Independence Stadium on game day.' Community celebrates LSUS perfect ending, historic season Ticket renewals for fans who have previously bought Independence Bowl tickets are being sent out over the next two weeks. Fans who would like to secure the same seats they have had in the past should apply before Thursday, July 31. Tickets for the general public will go live closer to football season and will be available at Individual tickets will start at $20. Group tickets, Small Business Fan Packs, Family Four-Packs, and other packages will also be available. For ticketing questions, contact the Independence Bowl office at 318-221-0712 or toll-free at 888-414-BOWL (2695). Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
