February 10, 2015 – As a pillar project, the OPA Cup represents a priority for NNF funding. The key development trip is funded with $31,000 of NNF trip support as a step towards World Championships and the Olympics. This year, the NNF is raising the stakes for skiers competing by adding a bonus win schedule for any U.S. skiers seeking to compete. Prize money for OPA Cup Finals results will follow these guidelines. (All funds in USD.)

Kate Fiztgerald, Sophie Caldwell and Rosie Brennan atop the Nove Mesto OPA Cup podium in 2013. ©NNF

• 1st – $2500
• 2nd – $1250
• 3rd – $750

In the event of a pursuit start, the prize money will be awarded based on the top 3 across the line. (Not best times of the day.)

World Juniors / U23 Wraps Up With Historic Results

Team USA success at the FIS Jr and U23 Nordic Worlds ©NNF

With a strong relay finish from the U.S. women who finished 8th just two minutes off the winning Norwegian team, the WJC / U23 championships closed. This year’s team posted historic results with multiple top ten and top twenty finishes. Most notable in these final days of competition were Katharine Ogden’s sixth place finish in the skiathlon event, the collective strength of the U23 men which saw four men in the top twenty and the early classic sprint final appearance by Ben Saxton, who finished 6th.
Read up on the details of the NNF Pillar Project event on our website here. The NNF supports the World Junior Championships and U23 Championships with $65,000 of funding.

2015 Auction
The NNF Auction is open and ready for bidding. Proceeds will support the NNF pillar projects, skiing development projects focused on up-and-coming U.S. skiers.

CLICK HERE TO CHECK OUT THE NNF AUCTION

The NNF supports over 400 skiers in Cross Country and Nordic Combined pillar projects with over $230,000 in funding for developing nordic athletes.

Auction items include ski industry products from

• L.L. Bean
• Fischer Sports
• Madshus
• Skida Sport
• Julbo
• Hoka
• Bliz
• Rossignol
• One-Way
• Ibex Outdoor Clothing
• Podium Wear
• Salomon
• Bjorn Dahlie

Outreach and support for the auction include art, flyfishing and skiing lessons from International athletes, lodging and other great work.

With a mission of developing nordic athletes in the United States, the NNF provides over 400 developing cross country and Nordic Combined skiers over $230,000 in support for races, camps and high quality competition opportunities.

“We have created a consistent platform for our best athletes to compete at the OPA Cup level year after year,” James Southam, Operations Director for the NNF explained, “This offer is similar to our standing offer to cover the cost of an athletes U23/World Junior Championship trip if they reach the podium, encouraging and rewarding those who are performing at the top level of the development step right below the World Cup.”

The funds will be available for this year’s OPA Cup Finals trip beginning in February.