August 4, 2009 – US WomenMembers of the U.S. Women’s Ski Jumping team and their nonprofit foundation Women’s Ski Jumping USA are hosting a benefit Aug. 19, at the exclusive Huntsman Mountain Estate in Deer Valley, Utah in an effort to keep their program from dissolving.

In May, the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association — which had been supporting the elite athletes for three years — dropped all funding to the women’s team citing it as a budget decision and because the women aren’t considered part of the Olympic program. WSJ-USA has hired the women’s ski jumping coach Kjell Magnussen and these athletes are working hard to raise $150,000 by the fall so the team can continue to train and compete.

The USSA drop in funds came on the heels of a historic year for the U.S. team as women were allowed to compete for the first time in ski jumping in the Nordic Word Championships and American Lindsey Van became the first American to win a gold medal in ski jumping and the first American to medal in the event in more than 80 years. In addition, the women’s team positioned itself as one of the best in the world with four jumpers finishing in the top three during the 2008-2009 season.

Women ski jumpers from around the world gained unprecedented attention this spring as a group of 15 elite jumpers, including three Americans, sued the Vancouver Organizing Committee (VANOC) to gain entry into the 2010 Winter Olympic Games. In July, the British Columbia Supreme Court denied the women ski jumpers the declaration they sought, but found discrimination by the International Olympic Committee. Lawyers for the “Flying Fifteen”, who’ve been working pro bono, have filed an appeal with the BC Court of Appeals.

The U.S. women jumpers and their supporters have secured the Jon Huntsman Sr. Mountain Estate in Deer Valley as the venue for the benefit. The $55 million estate has long been a family retreat for the Huntsman family and will make for a perfect setting for this event.

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Fight for Flight Benefit
Keeping U.S. Women Ski Jumpers Airborne

6:30 – 9:30 p.m. August 19, 2009

Please join former Salt Lake City Mayor and President of Women’s Ski Jumping USA Deedee Corradini for an extraordinary evening to celebrate and support these athletes at the exclusive Huntsman Estate located at 5000 Royal Street, Park City.

Tickets: $200 per person
Purchase online at www.wsjusa.com and take advantage of our Special Web Offer on multiple tickets!
Tickets are considered a charitable contribution.
WSJ-USA’s Tax ID# is 47-0924604.

RSVP & Questions
Email: FightforFlight.wsjusa@gmail.com
Or call: 435-640-3252

Hosted by Women’s Ski Jumping USA

More about the event….

THE CAUSE
Ski jumping is the only event in the Winter Olympics that does not allow women to compete.
The exclusion of women ski jumpers has developed into a global fight for human rights and equality
for women in sport.

The U.S. women’s team recently lost all of its funding in budget cuts. This important benefit celebrates these strong and talented young women who are now fighting to keep their program alive.

THE VENUE
The 20,000 square-foot grand mountain home of the Jon Huntsman Sr. family boasts one of the largest private collections of Native American rugs. This $55 million estate also is home to Jon Huntsman’s favorite classic cars.

THE EVENT
“Western Chic” is the theme for the evening, as you will experience the finest in
Park City’s Western-style gourmet and cocktails by Done to Your Taste Catering.

A silent auction features Park City items & memorabilia signed by Olympic stars and professional athletes. Email us if you’d like to donate an item for the auction.

Music is provided by former U.S. alpine downhiller & current recording artist Bryon Friedman.

Meet Deedee Corradini, former mayor of Salt Lake City & WSJ-USA president, members of the U.S. women’s ski jumping team & current & former Winter Olympians from other sports.