DRIVE FOR 25

Hey guys, the US coaches just sent this out in an email from the National Nordic Foundation.  The idea is that if we can branch our fundraising out far enough, we can make up for the budget shortfalls without draining the pockets of only the inner circle of Nordic Combiners and their families.  Check it out!

What: We seek 4000 American Nordic Combined enthusiasts backing their nation’s developing skiers on a single day.

When: November 15th, 2011

How: There are two ways to be involved. The most impactful way is to become a Drive for 25 Ambassador and agree to get at least 10 of your friends to donate $25 on Nov 15. Send the email addresses to us (meaning the NNF) and we will remind them. Or the simplest way is to log onto http://ncgeneralfund.causevox.com , and donate $25 on Nov 15th.

Why: The US Nordic Combined is in serious financial trouble. While we have improved from a nation that rarely placed a single skier in the top ten on the world cup, to a nation that won more medals in the 2009 World Championships and 2010 Olympics than any other nation, we are currently operating on a budget that is less than a tenth of our toughest competitors. Our budget shortfalls are making it impossible for our younger developing athletes to afford the racing opportunities they must have & earn the required results that allow them to compete at the highest levels. This summer, we faced two large budget cuts and another is looming. The Drive for 25 Challenge offers the Nordic Combined community a chance to pull together and help keep our athletes competing.

Who: You! NNF, the National Nordic Foundation, is stepping up to fill these budget shortfalls. The NNF depends on you to accomplish this mission.

If you're interested in being an ambassador or pledging for me, shoot me an email and I'll forward you on to the NNF.  And don't worry, they will only keep you on your list through the 15th of November.