Dear Ski Racing supporter: The National Cross Country Ski Education Foundation is celebrating twelve years of supporting U.S. skiing and we have a lot to be proud of. We have granted over $175,000 in NCCSEF Future Funds over that period. In fact, we've funded every World Junior Championship team since 1997 and every J1 Scando Cup team since it was initiated in 1999. Now, as we gear up for Vancouver 2010, there is even more work to be done! We have just received an exciting challenge that will help us better support the athletes who will have the greatest impact on U.S. performance in the 2010 Olympics: those skiers between the ages of 20-25 (a.k.a., U25). A generous donor has pledged $50,000 over a three-year period to help fund athletes under the age of 25 IF we can match that amount with donations from the ski community. If you, the members of our close-knit ski community, can help us reach our matching goal of $50,000, the NCCSEF will start granting $2000 to a U25 male and female athlete in each region next spring. Imagine the impact this could have! Here is what some of our top athletes have said of the past support they've received from NCCSEF:
  We've helped Juniors for years, but we need to step up and help those most at risk of quitting the sport, our post-college skiers. These skiers have their own World Championship now - the U23 World Championships. Even though it is a key stepping stone from World Junior Championships to Olympic and World Championship success, it is not funded by the U.S. Ski Team. The U23 World Championships are where Kris Freeman (Gold 30k in 2003) and Laura Valaas (Silver Sprint 2007) first tasted international success. Providing funding for events like this is just one example of how we can help our athletes be prepared for success in 2010! The opportunities this unique and munificent pledge offers the ski racing community are tremendous. Now, more than ever, your donation will have a significant impact on our country's racing success. Please help us with your donation. Sincerely, Reid Lutter
| Now, more than ever, your donation will have a significant impact on our country's racing success. Please help us with your donation.
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