Support Hosava and his Olympic Journey
Donation protected
Introduction
On top of a mesa in Northern Arizona, sits one of the oldest tribes to occupy the Southwest region, the Hopi. Hosava Kretzmann, reins from a small village called Hotevilla. But he is an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation. His So’o (grandmother) is Loretta Sequaptewa and his Qua’ah (grandfather) is Raymond Pawiki. His maternal clans are Spider, Bluebird, Bear, and Mole. His paternal clans are Bow & Arrow, Road Runner, Bamboo & Reed and Greasewood.
Hosava has been running since he could walk, but his competitive running didn't start until high school. He ended up competing at the D2 level running for Fort Lewis College in Durango, CO. For over 10 years, he has been running competitively and now competes as an elite/professional runner. It wasn't until this year that Hosava accepted his first nutrition sponsorship with Hammer Nutrition. Shortly after, Hosava was accepted as a new member of the Run Flagstaff Elite Team. Both sponsors can be seen in the video. He is beyond grateful to have their support.
Why donate?
The representation of Native American athletes in professional sports is low, little to none. Hosava aims to change that and more. As Hosava said himself, “I am running for a bigger purpose. My running has never been about me. It’s always been to represent my community, my ancestors, my clan family, my village, and my tribes. Running brings health, prosperity, and blessings to all the Hopi villages. Running is embodied in the histories and ceremonies from both of my cultures. I have learned much from my heritage that keeps me humble, to serve others rather than myself, and represent my heritage.”
That is why now, more than ever, Hosava needs your support. The funds raised will be used to help Hosava with travel expenses to New York. This includes airfare, food, and lodging for his trip. Hosava was recently invited to participate in the Bakline’s Micro Mckirdy Marathon. This will give Hosava the best opportunity to qualify for the 2024 Olympic Trials in the Marathon.
There are three ways you can support Hosava:
1) A monetary donation to help Hosava get to New York. In return, you will receive a free sticker! (Design coming soon!)
2) Share his story or the GoFundMe link with your friends, family, relatives, or other social networks.
3) Cheer for him, keep him in your thoughts and prayers. Feel free to send him positive messages through his Instagram: @hosava. He appreciates those messages so much and that is what fuels him to run.
Who am I?
I am the wife of Hosava Kretzmann, I made this Go Fund Page on his behalf, to support him, support his dreams, and his message. He is an incredible runner but an even more amazing person. He rarely talks about his running accolades as he tells me, "I was always taught by my parents to be humble and never boastful." Often the stories you hear about Hosava will never come from him, they are usually told by his friends or family. When Hosava is not running he is working to make his community better and advocates for Indigenous Health, Indigenous education, and Indigenous youth.
Lastly, Hosava said, “I want to remind the world that Native People are still here. We never left, and we never will. But even more importantly, it’s time for people to realize that Native runners can still compete with the best in the country…. I am so proud and thankful that my race at the Los Angeles Marathon brought so much positivity across all Native communities. I hope to inspire the next generation of Native youth to dream big, work hard, and pursue their passions.”
Nahongvita! Yéego!
Thank you / Kwakwha' / Ahéhee’
Organizer
Sheera Rejoice
Organizer
Flagstaff, AZ