October 28, 2013 – When we announced the $50,000 challenge match to juniors participating in the National Nordic Foundation’s Drive for 25, we never had any doubt that young ski racers would step up to the plate. Still, there’s a bit of excitement to see the number added to the fundraising page and the total leap closer to the six figure mark. Now, with 18 days left in the fundraiser, we’re pleased to announce a final challenge match to push us to the finish.

The New Challenge
Thanks to the interest in our nordic community, a generous new crew of NNF donors have stepped up with $15,000 as additional challenge match for U23 and Junior racers.

That’s a D25 total of over $3 in matching funds for every $1 raised! In other words, a total of $65k for $20k raised by U23 and Junior Nordic skiers.

It simply doesn’t get any better for grassroots fundraising
Yes, we are asking U23 and Juniors to stretch in the last days of D25, but when juniors push, the NNF wins.

When the NNF wins, junior skiers win. (Wins on wins)
If you’re a junior reading this or if you know a junior, please spread the word. The first challenge was met by a devoted collection of fundraisers and this next challenge will require a similar push from still more people.

Some tips to get involved
1. ASK. Bottom line, you have to ask after a few folks. $10, $20, $50- whatever works. There is nothing as effective as a simple request from an athlete.
2. Spread the word.  Tell people share the links:

Support Cross Country here.
Support Nordic Combined here.

3. Represent the NNF. Break out the NNF t-shirt. Don the NNF patch.

We’re nearly through this thing and there’s no time to spare. To finish well is always the goal. Keep the drive alive.

Before Kikkan was Kikkan, she was an NNF athlete. The same goes for Simi, Jessie, Hoffman, Liz, Bird, Sadie, Holly, Erik and many many more. With the exception of the very precocious, Andy Newell, every World Cup point scored by a US skier in the last decade started out as a development trip, a first foray to Europe, a chance at the big time.

NNF funding works. You may not know the names of the skiers that will break into the big leagues over the next decade, but you can help them with support today.

Run it Down
Stratton Hosting An Uphill Battle

Run uphill. Raise money for the NNF. It’s that simple.

You May Already Be a Winner
Prizes About in Ambassador Push:

Your favorite industry folks are giving away prizes to push the D25 effort forward. Win big by getting donors. When the drive ends, every ambassador will be entered for every donor they have under their outreach effort. More donors means more chances to win a Concept2 Ski Erg, Swix Triac poles, USST gear or bags from Rossignol or Fischer or ski wax from Toko.