November 28, 2013 (Canmore, AB) – Cross Country Canada is launching the trail to Sochi by giving Nordic fans the opportunity to ski with its athletes to the international podium, thanks to an enhanced Project Podium fundraising initiative.

Project Podium takes fundraising to a new level by bringing partners on the snow for lessons and ski tips with National Team athletes, and VIP’s, behind-the-scenes access at international and domestic World Cup events in addition to hosting at the 2014 Olympic Winter Games.

“There is no doubt there is increased excitement for our sport in Canada, and we want to give our passionate fans and supporters the opportunity to have a special experience by bringing them closer to our National Team while enabling Cross Country Canada to fully deliver the resources our athletes require to achieve excellence,” said Davin MacIntosh, CEO of Cross Country Canada.

Originally launched in December 2012, Project Podium generated $50,000 for the National Ski Team in its inaugural season. With a goal of nearly doubling that amount, Cross Country Canada has adjusted the program’s investment levels to encourage more participation, including the addition of a new Bronze level membership at an annual contribution of $1,000. Golf and Silver memberships are also available at $10,000 and $2,500, respectively.

With just 75 days remaining until the 2014 Olympic Winter Games and 100 days until the Paralympic Winter Games, this unique fundraising initiative is being launched just days prior to Canada’s athletes hitting the start line for the season-opening World Cup races.

As the athletes are charging onto the trails, Cross Country Canada’s senior leadership (volunteers and staff) are leading the way with their financial support to the team through an inaugural CCC “Family Campaign” – a campaign designed to demonstrate their personal commitment to Canada’s athletes. 100% of CCC’s Board of Directors, senior management team and fundraising committee members have personally contributed to the unique initiative, bringing the 2013/14 pre-launch funding pool to over $27,000. “Through the personal financial contributions that the senior leadership has made we hope to inspire others to join us and show their support for the team,” said CCC Board Chair Richard Lemoine. “Please join us.”

“Financial support for our programs is absolutely vital, but Project Podium is about much more than just that,” added MacIntosh. “We are building an engaged community of supporters that will ensure the long-term success of our sport. We look forward to welcoming new members to our family, and share in the athletes’ pursuit of excellence on the trail to Sochi 2014, and beyond.”

For more information on Project Podium, please contact Matthew Jeffries at mjeffries@cccski.com, or visit us at www.cccski.com.