Andrew's Journey to the 2024 Paralympics

My name is Andrew Mangan, and I am reaching out to ask for your support to achieve my goal of representing the United States in the 2024 Paralympics in Paris, France. I

qualified for the 2022 World Championships in Racice, Czech Republic, by winning US Nationals in July and I will be representing Team USA there from September 18th - 25th. Funds raised here will immediately help me fund my travel and race entry fees, as well as support me for the next two years as I continue to train for the Olympics.

After the World Championships, my plan is to continue training while completing my studies at Stanford over the next two years. Your donations will help me purchase a boat to train in, cover travel expenses to and from international races, entry fees, equipment, and other training costs over the next two years. You can subscribe here to get updates on my races, training, and more. Please read more about my journey below and thank you so much for any support you can offer. 

More about Me

I grew up rowing at Canisius High School in Buffalo, NY and have always loved the sport. I broke my neck in an accident when I was 16, which left me paralyzed from the chest down. Through hard work, luck, and prayers I have been able to regain enough movement to use much of my upper body and to walk unassisted. Three years ago, I began rowing again in an adaptive rowing shell, and it was so amazing to be back on the water for the first time since my accident! Last summer I was officially classified as a PR1 rower - this means I row in a scull with a fixed seat and back. I began training out of West Side Rowing Club with my coach, Sasha Bailey, and I have since raced across the country, winning Nationals, Dad Vails, and several other races. I am excited to race internationally for the first time this September. 

I have been quite fortunate to have the support of a lot of people and organizations who have helped me in my rowing journey. As I look toward Paris in 2024, I am asking for any support you can offer. It costs $5000 each for my coach and me to travel and compete at the World Championships. Next summer, I will have to qualify and race in the World Championships again, to qualify the U.S for a spot in the Paralympics. I am also purchasing a shell to train in. Up until now I have borrowed shells to train in and having my own will allow me to improve my training and customize my boat further. My intention is to use the majority of the funds donated to help me purchase the shell and cover entry costs, with any remainder going to defray travel and training costs. In addition to my studies at Stanford, I also have a paid internship with a San Francisco start-up and intend to dedicate that income to covering my costs as well.

Thank you again for your time and for any support you can offer. I am excited and proud to be representing the United States, as well as Western New York and West Side Rowing Club at the World Championships and hope to continue to do so in Paris in 2024. A check can also be made payable to West Side Rowing Club. If you wish to follow along, please subscribe here!