April 08, 2013 – APU Nordic is hosting a celebration of the 2012-13 season this sprint. Please join us on Friday, May 10 at 6:00 p.m. at the APU Atwood Building to celebrate the squad’s successes, including the crowning of the first American World Champion, winning the World Cup Sprint Crystal Globe, numerous podiums at U.S. Nationals, and more!

Hors d’oeuvres, desserts, and drinks will be provided. Plus, participate in live and silent auctions!

Please RSVP to Calisa Kastning ckastning@alaskapacific.edu by Friday April 26th

March 20, 2013 (Fairbanks, Alaska) – Bert Boyer, Ph.D., who is a Professor of Molecular Biology, a Director at the Center for Alaska Native Health Research and Associate Director of Human Health, Institute of Arctic Biology at the University of Alaska Fairbanks is trying to raise money for NNF by selling his photos to parents and athletes – check out his great photos on his web site HERE.

January 18, 2013 (Leavenworth, WA) – For the 11th year, Leavenworth Winter Sports Club is producing a women’s only winter event to promote breast cancer awareness and raise funds for The Wellness Place in Wenatchee. LWSC typically raises about $3,000 at this event. Women are welcome to cross-country ski or snowshoe on the 8-kilometer trail on Sunday, February 3rd. The Leavenworth Fish Hatchery hosts the start of the event while the participants use the back part of the Icicle River Trail. Those registered by Jan. 23rd receive a free event shirt and avoid the late fee. Registration is $16-$26. Day of event registration starts at 8 a.m. and the “race” starts at 9:30 a.m. Timing is optional per participant’s choice. A prize will be given to “Best Dressed Chick.” Refreshments will be provided along with many raffle prizes.

LWSC is proud to announce that our own local skier, Siri Healy, will be our official race starter. Siri Healy has been a resident of Leavenworth since 2001. In 2011, at the age of 34, she was diagnosed with breast cancer, invasive ductal carcinoma. She is a survivor and a true inspiration.

Please see the attached document for links to Siri’s blog, 2012 event photos and more. Thanks!

More about Chicks on Sticks 2013 HERE.

Read Siri Healy’s Blog HERE.

January 10, 2013 – Congratulations to all the athletes named to represent the USA at the U23 and World Junior Nordic Championships and the U18/J1 Scando Cup. Their hard work, dedication, and outstanding performance earned them the right to compete against the best skiers their age in the world while representing our country and our American Nordic community.

The NNF is contributing $93,000 in support of these trips ($81,000 XC, and $12,000 NC). Thanks to the support of this American Nordic community and the NNF’s Drive for 25 fundraising efforts we are sending these athletes to go up against the World’s best at a significantly reduced cost them. This ensures the athletes can afford to go and have the coaching support that is necessary to succeed. We thank all the NNF supporters for making this happen. Stay tuned to see how our young athletes do.

U23 and JR World Championship Cross Country Team Liberec, CZE (Jan. 20-27)

U23/World Junior Championships + PreCamp
– NNF will fund $45,600 of $64,025 total trip cost.
– Athletes pay $700 for the races and $200 for the 5-day pre-camp. (not including airfare).

Post Championship Continental Cups
– NNF will fund $17,000 of $25,000 total trip cost. Athletes pay $675

U23 World Championship Cross Country Team

Women
– Sophie Caldwell (SMS T2)
– Caitlin Patterson (Craftsbury Green Racing Project)
– Annie Pokorny (Middlebury College)
– Annie Hart (Dartmouth College)
– Elizabeth Guiney (University of New Hampshire)

Men
– Erik Bjornsen (APU/USST)
– Skyler Davis (SMS T2/USST)
– David Norris (Montana State University)
– Eric Packer (SMS T2)
– Sam Tarling (Dartmouth)

World Junior Championship Cross Country Team

Women
– Mary O’Connell (Dartmouth College)
– Corey Stock (Dartmouth College)
– Heather Mooney (Middlebury College)
– Anika Miller (Payette Lakes Sports)
– Sloan Storey (University of Utah)
– Emily Hannah (SSWSC/Harvard University)

Men
– Logan Hanneman (University of Alaska, Fairbanks)
– Ben Saxton (F.A.S.T. Performance Training)
– Tucker McCrerey (University of Utah)
– Kyle Bratrud (Northern Michigan University)
– Sawyer Kesselheim (Bridger Ski Foundation)
– Forest Mahlen (APU Nordic Ski Center)

World Junior Championship Nordic Combined Team

– NNF will fund $12,000 of $22,600 in trip costs. Athletes pay $1,108 (not including airfare).

December 26, 2012 (Canmore, AB) – The Alberta World Cup Academy is hosting a Taste of Winter – a dinner and silent auction fundraiser with proceeds going towards the program. The event features a four-course dinner with wine pairings and a Alberta World Cup Academy silent auction fundraiser. The meal will be presented by Chefs de Cuisine Edan Lange, Stefan Kuhn, and Darrell Greig with wines selected by Sommelier Jaz Nadeau of Canmore Wine Merchants. Registration is $75 at www.zone4.ca. More details HERE.

December 14, 2012 (Ottawa, ON) – Looking to make a difference this holiday season? Instead of battling crowds at the mall, make a donation in your loved one’s name – give the gift of sport!

And feel good about your spending this season.

A donation to the Canadian Paralympic Committee’s “Pass The Torch” fundraising campaign will help support Canada’s next generation of athletes with a disability. All donations are tax-deductible.

Every child deserves the chance to play sports, however it can be expensive for kids with a disability to get started – and that’s something we can all help change!

Funds raised will help provide these young people with the proper equipment to pursue an athletic career.

DID YOU KNOW?
– A pair of hockey skates can cost $200, but a sled for sledge hockey costs $550.
– Good running shoes might set parents back $100, but a quality sports wheelchair to race or play basketball in is worth $3,000.
– Getting involved in able-bodied skiing costs around $800, but buying a sit ski can cost over $3,200.

By contributing to Pass the Torch, Canadians can play a big part in providing kids with a disability with the opportunity to take part in sports.

Help families connect their kids to parasport. Please visit www.passthetorch.ca to donate.

On behalf of Team Canada – Thank You!

December 07, 2012 (Canmore, AB) – For just $30, The Inside Track Rewards Program provides members with exclusive, year-round discounts on a variety of great products and services from Cross Country Canada partners. This program is designed with the cross-country ski community in mind. With benefits ranging from discounts on sporting goods and apparel (including ski gear!), travel and emergency roadside assistance, the Inside Track card will help members save money while growing our sport and providing critical program funding at both the national and local levels. For each card sold to a CCC member, $10 will be directed back to that member’s ski club. The balance of program proceeds will go towards providing critical funding for CCC development programs such as Jackrabbits and Track Attack, as well as the National Ski Team. Questions? Email us at rewards@cccski.com.

Join HERE today.

Our Partners – Your Benefits
Save on CCC merchandise: Inside Track Rewards Program members benefit from a 10% discount on all merchandise purchased at the Cross Country Canada store both online (www.cccski.com) and onsite at events across the country. Take advantage of this great discount on officially licensed CCC products and National Ski Team apparel from CCC suppliers such as One Way, Auclair, Eload, Smartwool, Suunto, EC3D and Bliz.

Get Roadside Assistance: Receive access to roadside assistance with no annual fee from Dominion Automobile Association. Drive with peace of mind knowing that you’re covered with comprehensive roadside protection anywhere in North America. This coverage, a $25 value, is available at no cost to all Inside Track Rewards Program members. For those times when you do need Roadside Assistance it’s available at a discounted rate of just $59.95 per call, negotiated on your behalf by Cross Country Canada. This service will be available to members approximately the third week of December, 2012. Members will be notified when it is available. Full details available HERE.

Save at Delta Hotels: Founded in 1962, Delta Hotels and Resorts has grown to become Canada’s leading first-class hotel management company. Today, Delta boasts a diversified portfolio of 46 city-centre, airport and resort properties. Inside Track Rewards Program members will earn 10% off the Best Available Rate (BAR) at participating Delta Hotels and Resorts. The discount applies only to the BAR rates and will not apply to any other rates that may appear on the Delta Hotels & Resorts website or to which the traveler may otherwise have access.

Save on Ski Trax Magazine: The Official Magazine of Cross Country Canada, SkiTrax keeps you up to date on all the latest Nordic news, ski gear, adventure and recreational skiing, including race reports from across Canada, the USA, and around the world – check out www.skitrax.com. Inside Track members will save 35% off regular subscription prices.

Save on sporting goods: Inside Track members will save 10% on regularly priced merchandise online (www.freshairexp.com) or in person at Fresh Air Experience’s Ottawa store. The official retailer of the National Ski Team, Fresh Air Experience has been providing Ottawa and area with high quality outdoor goods and service since 1969. They specialize in cross-country skis, bicycles, clothes, and many other great products.

Get Special Association Rates: Inside Track members have access to Special Pooled Association rates on Health, Dental, Critical Illness and Travel Insurance through Manulife Financial. Manulife Financial has been providing Canadians and Canadian skiers with “peace of mind” insurance solutions for 125 years. This fine tradition of cost-effective, comprehensive insurance coverage and customer confidence continues to grow even today as Manulife Financial becomes a proud partner of Cross Country Canada’s Inside Track Rewards Program through a Special Pooled Association Plan. More details available HERE.

November 28, 2012 – The National Nordic Foundation raised $218,000 from 1,300 donors to support our developing Cross-Country and Nordic Combined athletes. Seeing what our American Nordic community can do when we work together is truly amazing, humbling, and inspiring. We are so fortunate to have you as a part of it. In the coming weeks we will be announcing our funding for the 2012/2013 season. Stay tuned…. But you prepaid for this!

“The current US Team World Cup success is a product of the team work and cooperation between US Ski Team, Clubs, and NNF. Together we are strongest as a team.” – Erik Flora

Thank you all.

Top 10 D25 States by Dollar
– Idaho $42,552
– Colorado $26,320
– Minnesota $15,690
– Utah $10,990
– Alaska $8,134
– Vermont $6,655
– Wisconsin $6,060
– Washington $5,520
– New York $4,440
– Pennsylvania $4,325

Top 10 D25 States by number of donors
– Colorado 244
– Utah 127
– Minnesota 125
– Vermont 113
– Alaska 105
– Wisconsin 77
– New York 57
– Washington 53
– Idaho 52
– Massachusetts 52

November 27, 2012 – Biathlon Canada’s online auction is now live just in time for your holiday shopping! Shop for great deals on apparel and equipment, including National Team items only available through Biathlon Canada and Vancouver 2010 memorabilia. Click HERE to start bidding! Auction runs from November 15th to 29th.

November 08, 2012 (Saskatoon, SK) – The Canadian Olympic Foundation is proud to partner for another year of successful Gold Medal Plates fundraising events. The cross-country series of fundraisers continued tonight at Prairieland Park in Saskatoon.

“The money raised here tonight helps make athletes’ Olympic dreams a reality,” said Saskatoon native and 2008 Olympians Kelsie Hendry. “All the athletes here tonight are very proud to support such an important event. It is so good to see Saskatoon come out to support Canadian athletes.”

“Not only does Gold Medal Plates bring first-class events across the country, but it benefits our Olympic heroes,” said Canadian Olympic Foundation Chair and Canadian Olympic Committee President Marcel Aubut. “These events help us build the Canadian Olympic Foundation into Canada’s leading philanthropic organization, funding sport and high performance athletes.”

Canadian Olympians Adam van Koeverden (Canoe-Kayak), Kyle Shewfelt (Gymnastics), Kaylyn Kyle (Soccer), Kelsie Hendry (Athletics), Jacki Nichol (Sotball), Brian Gyetko (Tennis), Michelle Cameron Coulter (Synchronized Swimming), Al Coulter (Volleyball), Viola Yanik (Wrestling), Cyprian Enweani (Athletics), Mike Robertson (Snowboard), Jeff Christie (Luge), Ian Cockerline (Luge), Craig Mackay (Speed Skating), Chandra Crawford (Cross Country Skiing), Rosannagh Crawford (Biathlon), Brendan Green (Biathlon), Marie-Ève Marleau (Diving), Jason Parker (Speed Skating), Nicole Cargill (Synchronized Swimming), Herb Pinder (Ice Hockey), Marcia Gudereit (Curling), Janice Betker (Curling), Joan McCusker (Curling), Nathan Gafuik (Gymnastics), socialized with guests.

This year’s event featured chefs Robin Andreas (Sheraton Cavalier Hotel), Derek Cotton (Bliss Restaurant), Darren Craddock (Riverside Country Club), Kevin Dahlsjo (Two by Dahlsjo), Klarke Dergousoff (Amy’s on Second), Brent Lloyd (Simple Chef), Moe Mathieu (White Birch Catering), Trevor Robertson (Radisson Hotel) and Dan Walker (Weczeria Food & Wine), competing to represent Saskatoon at the Canadian Culinary Championships in Kelowna in February.

Net proceeds from the event support high performance athletes through programs such as Own the Podium.

November 07, 2012 – Athletes, coaches, and parents who see what an amazing sport Nordic Combined is, and know (or are learning) how much of an undertaking it is to become a World Class skier, you are the American Nordic Combined family. You are all invested in the success of American Nordic Combined, both today and in the years to come.

You all know the story, our top athletes are well funded, our developing athletes receive little to none. Who knows what the funding picture will look like in the years to come?

There are just under two weeks remaining in the Drive for 25 (D25) fundraiser. To those of you have gotten involved by signing up as a D25 Ambassador and reaching out to others and/or by donating yourself. Thank you!

Those who have not, American Nordic Combined needs your help.

A group of people who see the need and potential of American Nordic Combined skiing have come together and pooled $15,000 to match up to $15,000, dollar for dollar, during the final 2 weeks of the Drive for 25 (November 15th).

We have less than two weeks to make this happen and to do it we need you all involved.

The more we raise the more we can fund.

To get started and set up your Ambassador HERE.

If you already have a page set up, keep/start spreading the message.

Nordic Combined Matching Grant
A match is on the table for Nordic Combined!

A group of people who see the need and potential of American Nordic Combined skiing have come together and pooled $15,000 to match up to $15,000, dollar for dollar, during the final 2 weeks of the Drive for 25 (November 15th)

Let’s leverage this challenge into $30,000 to support our developing American Nordic Combined athletes to make sure they will have the opportunities they need to build upon the success that Billy, Johnny, Todd, and Bryan have put together.

We can make this happen.

To donate today and take advantage of this opportunity click HERE.

Adam Loomis Insights
My progress from an aspiring junior athlete to a US Ski Team athlete has been directly enabled by the NNF. A few years ago, US Nordic Combiners were either supported by the US Ski Team, or not financially supported at all. Now, as the Ski Team isn’t able to fund all of its athletes and developing athletes, the NNF is stepping in to help cover costs. This branch of funding creates a bridge for athletes to continue past high school towards the A-team level.

After high school I spent two years training in Steamboat Springs, CO. Last year, I was a member of the National Training Group (NTG). The NTG benefits from coaching and training with the USST, but isn’t funded financially. As a NTG member, I spent a month training in Europe in August and traveled to Europe to compete twice in the winter. We also competed in Chicago, Lake Placid, Park City and Whistler, BC last season. It’s easy to see that this kind of travel schedule would be nearly impossible to afford without some sort of outside financial support. This where is where the NNF made all the difference, chipping in to make these trips feasible.

This year, as a member of the US Ski Team, many costs, like coaching are covered. Our European training camps this winter and the upcoming competitions of this winter, however, are not all paid for by the Ski Team. As the NNF continues to grow, we are able to cover more of these costs. I cannot stress enough how beneficial the NNF’s fundraising has been to my career, and it’s equally vital to the entire sport. Someday, I hope that we have the financial resources to cover equipment, coaching and travel costs for all National level Nordic Combined athletes. A huge part of this is the greater community reaching out and supporting its athletes. This support has been awesome to see, and I hope it continues to grow in the future.

There are less that 2 weeks to go in the Drive for 25. The support our athletes has seen so far has been unbelievable but we still have so much to do and to provide our athletes with the support they need to make their and our American Nordic dreams a reality.

Swag for Ambassadors
We have some amazing gear to give away to our top Ambassadors from our sponsors. U23 and Junior Ambassadors who raise $100 will receive a NNF buff from Podiumwear. Ambassadors who rase $250 will receive a NNF headband by Mt. Borah.

Mission
The mission of the National Nordic Foundation (NNF) is to provide support for the athlete development pipeline of US Cross Country and Nordic Combined skiing. The NNF accomplishes this development goal through raising funds and distribution to our “Pillar Projects” that serve the next generation of athletes who represent the United States on the World Stage.

The NNF is a not-for-profit foundation that serves it’s mission to provide funding and support for key Pillar Projects in the Nordic Community.

Support Tomorrow’s Nordic Stars Today.

For more info, email: NationalNordicFoundation@gmail.com

November 06, 2012 – On November 1, men across the country shaved their faces in preparation for Movember, a moustache growing charity event held during November each year that raises funds and awareness for men’s health. Canadian XC skiers are participating in the event and Devon Kershaw, Alex Harvey, Gord Jewett, Kevin Sandau, and Ivan Babikov are among the nine-man Sno Mos squad. Check out their team page HERE.

November 01, 2012 (Worcester, VT) – On Sunday October 28, 20+ members of the northern Vermont ski community met to support the National Nordic Foundation. The Kaeding family in Worcester, Vermont hosted the gathering. The evening was an excellent mix of story telling, cocktails, and food. However, without doubt the highlight was the slideshow put together by Middlebury sophomore Heather Mooney and SMS PG Paddy Caldwell. They shared their experiences at the 2012 Youth World Games for the crowd via slideshow. It was an eye opening experience for many of the crowd members (myself included) about a ski scene rarely scene within the US ski community.

The dinner capped off a successful evening and a momentous run at $10,000 raised by the youth ski community supported by the NNF. Congratulations on reaching the goal and good luck in the upcoming ski season!

Drive for 25 Cross Country HERE.
Drive for 25 Nordic Combined HERE.

October 24, 2012 – Already donated? THANK YOU – it’s just great to see everyone contributing, along with the supportive comments posted on our D25 page.

We’re a grassroots non profit organization that is asking OUR Nordic Community to come together from Alaska to Maine and donate for this cause. So if you feel inclined, please do pass this message on.

Lastly, our Juniors are stepping up to meet a $50k Challenge Grant. They need to raise $10k to get a $50k donation, yup a 5 to 1 match, it’s just a bit better match than your 401k, huh? So far they are at $7k… GO JUNIORS!

www.nationalnordicfoundation.org

October 24, 2012 (Boulder, CO) – The Boulder Nordic Ski Swap will be on Wednesday, November 14, at Boulder High. The doors will open to set up will be at 5:45pm. We are hoping to be cleaned up and out the door no later than 9:30. 15% of the proceeds will go to benefit the Boulder Nordic Junior Racing Team.

www.bnjrt.net

October 09, 2012 – Happy Canadian Thanksgiving everyone! Ok, now the blog post can begin. The Fast and Female event in Park City was officially AWESOME. As per my usual, I got to lead the dancing/endurance station, where we keep moving the entire time and each girl gets to add a dance move of her own to the group dance. The dance gets longer and longer and by the last group of the day I’m always working so hard to try and remember which move comes next! But it’s so much fun. Anne Hart was my dance station partner and we had a blast although by the end we both had jelly legs and were wiped out.

For me the coolest thing is seeing each girls face light up as the entire group does the dance move SHE got to add. It’s fun to make each girl be the star for 10 seconds!

And now… the National Nordic Foundation’s Drive for 25.

I realize that there are a ton of fundraisers going on this fall. And my personal fundraiser, the Chilkoot Cafe dinner in Stillwater, is going on this fall as well, on November 10th. But, I’m putting this up because the National Nordic Foundation directly helps me as well as many other junior, senior and U23 athletes looking to take the next step in international racing. NNF lowers trip costs for World Juniors/U23′s, and help pay for World Cup expenses. NNF also helped the US Women’s team travel to Sweden to train with some of the best in the world and improve.

So!

If you cannot come to Stillwater, MN on November 10th but are a friend of mine and/or Nordic Skiing and want to help out, this fundraiser is the best way to do it. I’ve linked my fundraising page below, and my goal is to get 20 people to donate $25. All the fundraiser information is on the link – even if you do not want to donate, please check out the NNF and their mission – the stories, pictures and race blogs are well worth looking at. Thanks for your time!

Jessie’s Drive for 25 page HERE.

September 26, 2012 – Join Canadian Olympic XC Skier Perianne Jones and support her 2013 season as she continues her road to the Sochi 2014 Olympic Games. The event takes place on October 16 at the Britannia Yacht Club in Ottawa from 7-9p.m. The evening will include a waxing workshop and a silent auction. Tickets $30, available at Fresh Air Experience, 1291 Wellington St., Ottawa, 613-729-3002.

April 26, 2012 (New York, NY) – Vancouver Olympic Gold, Silver and Bronze Medalists will be at the Loeb Boathouse in Central Park on Wednesday, May 9th, for an evening of entertainment hosted by MSNBC’s Dylan Ratigan to benefit the Next Generation of NYSEF athletes, including U.S. Olympians and Sochi 2014 hopefuls.

The gala fundraiser, hosted by the New York Ski Educational Foundation (NYSEF), will offer attendees the rare opportunity to meet Olympic medalists and National Team members including Nordic Combined Gold and Silver Medalist Billy Demong, Super G Bronze Medalist Andrew Weibrecht and three-time World Cup winner Manuel Osborne-Paradis. U.S. Ski Jumpers Nick Alexander and Jay Rand, and top U.S. Biathletes Tim Burke, Lowell Bailey and Annelies Cook will also be in attendance.

The event begins at 6:30 p.m. and will feature cocktails, a buffet, and a live auction with items that range from a week vacation in a private villa on Eleuthera Island in the Bahamas, to a day of skiing with Olympic Bronze Medalist Andrew Weibrecht. General admission tickets for the event are $250. Net proceeds from ticket sales and the auction will be donated to the Endowment Fund and NYSEF scholarship and general funds.

In partnership with NYSEF, the Next Generation gala event is sponsored by CBRE, the Black Rock Foundation, Northwood School, the Paine Family, the Hospital for Special Surgery and in part by Whiteface Mountain, the Mirror Lake Inn, gloProfessional, and Harrow Sports, Eastern Collective, the Lake Placid Crown Plaza, Grenier Des Alps, and the Meltzer Group.

Tickets may be purchased online HERE or at the door. For more information, contact Jonathan Weibrecht at jonathan.weibrecht@stern.nyu.edu or click HERE.

April 23, 2012 – NENSA is pleased to announce Justin Beckwith as our 2012 New England Coach of the Year! Justin has been quietly managing the Green Mountain Valley School Nordic Program for several years now. He has coached GMVS athletes through successful junior careers and instills a love of skiing and outdoor adventure into them as well. A world class athlete himself, he knows what it takes to be a student of the sport and his program ensures that there is enough of a challenge intermixed with plenty of fun!

Justin wrote via email: “I’ve been really lucky to work with an impressive group of skiers over the past six years here in Waitsfield. My goal as a coach is to make all around skiers and expose kids to adventures that create a passion for sport and competition. Pursuing your dreams as a ski racer is an ultimate adventure and it is inspiring to help kids follow that path. It has been awesome to watch our alums continue to ski and improve in college and beyond.

We’ve had five Junior National Champs and three athletes placed on the J1 Team since I’ve been at the Green Mountain Valley School. We are really excited about our summer training programs with athletes like Tim Reynolds, David Sinclair, Dylan Grald and Heidi Halvorsen leading guests from throughout New England.”

Justin has been coaching at GMVS for 6 years, was J1 Scando trip leader in 2009, World Junior Coach in 2012 and the New England Team Wax Tech 2009-2012. For four straight years in a row, Justin has also managed the production of 55- 65 pairs of skis per race at Junior Nationals- this is no easy feat to keep the New England train rolling! His calmness through the inevitable storms of wax testing and making the right calls, consistently put out the best skis on the best skiers day in and day out during a busy week.

Through all of this he stresses the team effort to make New England such a great ski community. In true spirit, Justin recaps his season on a recent blog post:

“Thanks for helping make this winter a success for New England– the enthusiasm of the Nordic Community in our region overshadowed any lack of snow. It was a huge year of successes for Eastern Skiers from the BKL level, at Junior Nationals and NCAA’s. I’m proud to be a part of this energy and I look forward to collaborating with many of you in the future.”

We congratulate Justin and wish him much success as he continues to educate and challenge his skiers to even more success in the future.

Coach of the year award history
– 2012 – Justin Beckwith
– 2011 – Sverre Caldwell
– 2010 – Pepa Milochoeva
– 2009 – Matt Boobar
– 2008 – Eileen Carey
– 2007 – Rob Bradlee

Donations Double-Matched – $10,000 Bonus
Another donor has stepped in to add to the challenge we announced on Friday. Instead of being matched $1 to $1, all donations to the Annual Fund are now matched with $2 for every $1 donated.

Your $10 donation becomes $30 to NENSA… your $50 donation becomes $150… And if we meet the $5,000 match (we’ve raised $2,005 toward it so far) then the new donor will also give a $10,000 bonus to the annual fund. Please be part of helping us reach this goal and earn this very important contribution to NENSA. I can’t think of a better way for our members to welcome our new Executive Director than with the energy and momentum that a successful annual fund can provide. And successfully meeting this match will mean that we’ll surpass our Annual Fund goal and have an opportunity, like last year, for our Board of Directors to designate even more funding to some of your favorite programs like the Athlete Fund and Skis for Kids.

So, please take advantage of the match today! Every dollar becomes three! How often do we have an opportunity like this?

Please donate today and help spread the word to your friends; we NEED your help to meet this challenge! And donating online will take just 5 minutes. Please help us reach the goal and continue to bring wonderful winter memories to New England families.

Click HERE to Donate.

April 19, 2012 – Just like skiing well in one of our Marathon Series events, we’ve gotten off to a solid start with our Annual Fund drive and sailed through the first two laps. And now we face just $10K to the finish line. Can you help us get there?

And just like skiing in a race, there are lots of reasons to doubt ourselves. Can we make it? What if the challenge is too great?

And just like with 10K to go in a race, it is time to focus on the goal and do everything we can to reach the finish.

As I am sure you have heard, NENSA starts with a new Executive Director on May 1 and there’s no better way to help Zach Stegeman get started than with a successful annual fund drive.

We have 10K to go and I know we can make it, but we definitely need your help to meet this challenge. Gifts of any size are valued, just as we value your participation in our clinics, clubs, camps, and races all season long.

Please donate today; we NEED your help to meet this challenge!

Click HERE to Donate.

Thanks to NENSA’s Major Sponsors: TD Bank, L.L. Bean, Swix.

January 31, 2012 – US Biathlon is raffling off four tickets to this year’s Superbowl! This is an all-expenses paid trip for you and three guests for two nights in Indianapolis! The raffle tickets are only $2 a piece, but the contest ends at 1pm EST on Thursday, February 2. Thanks for the support and good luck!

Buy your tickets HERE.

November 15, 2011 – Today is a very big day for us as we assemble all American cross country ski enthusiasts to stand up together to support our developing skiers. Please join us by making a contribution to the National Nordic Foundation.

Why? Today is about building our base of XC fans in the U.S. and showing our collective support by funding opportunities so our developing athletes can learn to race in Europe against the best in the world. The U.S. has improved from a nation that seldom put a single skier in the top-15 on the World Cup to a nation with Continental Cup, U23, World Cup and World Championship podiums. Yet as a nation, our developing athletes still struggle to afford the racing opportunities required to compete among the best. That, and because you’ll be supporting cross country skiers. The world needs more of them.

Donate HERE. Check back often to see our progress. Once you have donated the program will automatically generate a tax-deductible receipt. While donating, please fill out the comment box and also hit the “like” button to show your support. If you are uncomfortable with online donations, please mail a check to:

National Nordic Foundation
32 West 200 South #149
Salt Lake City 84101

How Much? Whether you can donate $25 or $100, 100% of your money will support over 40 elite U.S. development athletes age 15-28 this winter on racing trips in Europe. Please do what you can. Today is more about developing the total number of XC supporters in the U.S.

We hope you will continue to follow our skiers and support our nation’s pursuit of Olympic cross country success. You may follow these trips this winter at www.nccsef.org. This site is updated weekly with photos and motivating thoughts from the road.

Thank you for your role in XC development. The Drive for 25 is now! Spread the word.

November 01, 2011 – The surprise October snow is a great reminder that winter is almost here and we need your help to make it a great one…. Remember, the NENSA Fall Online Auction kicks off today!

Here are just a few of the 58 items featured:
– A VBT European Bike Tour
– A handmade queen-sized folk art bed
– A team photoshoot by FlyingPointRoad.com
– 2 Southwest Airlines $500 gift cards
– US Ski Team and Olympic clothing donated by New Englanders on the team (Liz Stephen, Ida Sargent, Kris Freeman, Andy Newell, and Skyler Davis)
– A Concept2 SkiErg
– College team gear
– Ski ties
– Posters
– Wax
– Rollerskis by Swenor
– A complete Rossignol Xium set-up
– Swix star poles
– Entry fee, food, and lodging for two at the Craftsbury Marathon
– A Golden Eagle Resort stay,
– and so many more great items!
and so much more!

As you’ll quickly see, the auction has a lot to offer both skiers and non-skiers, so please email your friends and post a link on your Facebook page… help spread the word! Click HERE for info.

Bidding is now open!

Skis for Kids
As of today, orders are shipping. We expect to sell out early this year so please get organized and submit your order soon. www.nensa.net/skis

October 27, 2011 – Simi Hamilton and Noah Hoffman leave November 6th for Europe to compete against the best skiers in the world. Please come show your support and celebrate the start of the winter season… free beer, pizza and prognostication. Meet the local US Ski Team athletes and learn how they plan to go head to head with the fastest nordic skiers on the planet!!

Shockingly… these US Ski Team members are heading into the race season unfunded. Even though they have earned their stripes and have skied their way onto the 2010 Olympic team and 2011 World Championship team, very recent budget cuts have left these local skiers scrambling to fund airfare, travel and lodging for the entire World Cup season. They need our help! Beitostolen Norway, Kuusamo Finland, Duesseldorf Germany and beyond, follow these athletes and be a part of The A Team Project. Every dollar helps and your 501c(3) donation goes directly to Noah and Simi. Donate HERE.

So spread the word, bring a friend and come meet our local champions. Help toast and launch them toward a podium season with our community support- October 28th 5-7pm at the Limelight Lodge!

June 21, 2011 (Canmore, AB) – A medal-winning lineup of Canada’s Olympic and Paralympic athletes will gather with corporate Canada while teeing it up at Silvertip Golf Resort in Canmore, Alta., June 23 for the 4th Annual Right To Play Red BallCelebrity Golf Classic, presented by Samsung.

The Red Ball Celebrity Golf Classic will raise funds for Right To Play – an international humanitarian organization working to create a healthier and safer world for children through the power of sport and play. It is the second time the event has been sold out since two-time Olympic medallist and Western Canadian Senior Advisor for Right To Play, Beckie Scott, launched the event four years ago at the course minutes from the home training base for the nation’s Nordic athletes at the Canmore Nordic Centre.

“As Canadians we often take for granted how fortunate we are to have access to sport which plays such a critical role in our personal and social development” said Scott “This incredible gathering of Canadian role models will be used to celebrate their remarkable achievements in sport this year, while raising crucial awareness and funds in support of our Sport For Development and Peace projects in the most disadvantaged areas of the world. We look forward to once again celebrating the Red Ball Movement in Canmore.”

The celebration will officially kick-off on the driving range of Silvertip Golf Resort at 10:30 a.m. when some of Canada’s highest-profiled Olympic and Paralympic athletes, will participate in a unique closest-to-the-pin contest.

In addition to a wide-variety of on-course challenges and activities, the tournament will also feature extraordinary auction items, and music by one southern Alberta’s hottest bands – The Otherside.

A gala evening hosted by CBC’s Scott Russell.

Led by four-time Olympic gold medallist, Johann Koss, Right To Play is supported by an international team of more than 300 Olympic, Paralympic and professional athletes from more than 40 countries. Through sport and play programs Right To Play is empowering children and communities to look after themselves and each other.

Who: (30 Athletes Include)
– Beckie Scott – Cross-Country Skiing
– Kaillie Humphries – Bobsleigh
– Brian McKeever – Cross-Country Skiing
– Kyle Shewfelt – Gymnastics
– Alex Gough – Luge
– Robin McKeever – Cross-Country Skiing
– Jon Montgomery – Skeleton
– Cassie Campbell – Women’s Hockey

– Sara Renner – Cross-Country Skiing
– Helen Upperton – Bobsleigh
– Lyndon Rush – Bobsleigh
– Warren Shouldice – Freestyle Skiing
– Mellisa Hollingsworth – Skeleton
– Jeff Pain – Skeleton
– Emily Brydon – Alpine Skiing
– Thomas Grandi – Alpine Skiing

Where: Silvertip Golf Resort, Canmore, Alta.
When: June 23, 2010

Schedule:
– 9 a.m. Registration – Athlete Media Interviews Begin
– 10:30 a.m. Athlete Introductions – Media Photo Op
– 11 a.m. Golf
– 4 p.m. Cocktail Reception
– 5 p.m. Dinner and Live Auction

May 04, 2011 – A group of Canada’s medal-winning cross-country ski athletes, who combined to win an unprecedented 25 medals at the World Championships, IPC World Championships, World Cup and IPC World Cup races this year, will celebrate a season of excellence by hopping on a luxurious 1926 CP train with a handful of distinguished guests for a tour from Calgary through the spectacular Rocky Mountains to beautiful Banff, AB, on May 5 as a fundraising event.

Alex Harvey, who teamed up with Devon Kershaw, to win the nation’s first-ever World Championship medal – a gold in the team sprint; Brian McKeever, who won three gold and one silver at the IPC World Championships; Ivan Babikov, who is one of three Canadian men to win a World Cup gold medal; Daria Gaiazova, who captured her first World Cup bronze medal this season; Olympian Perianne Jones, who finished this season with her strongest World Cup result of her career; along with two-time Olympian George Grey will all be on board the Canadian National XC Team Express on Thursday.

The unique fundraising experience will help Cross Country Canada deliver the resources Canadian athletes require to continue achieving podium results on the track to the 2014 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.

March 23, 2011 – You’ve supported us all winter long by participating in NENSA events and sharing your love of skiing with those around you, now is your chance to contribute to NENSA financially, to help provide us with the platform to get even better as we move forward.

Make a Donation and check on our drive’s progress HERE.

Create Your Own Fundraising Page for NENSA to encourage your friends to contribute HERE.

We’ve had a wonderful winter. We’ve set records for membership again this year, with growth of at least 5% (numbers are still coming in!) had great snow throughout the region once it got started, and enjoyed wonderful events at fantastic venues all winter long. Now is our chance to say thank you for being a part of it and to ask you to support both the current work of NENSA and build a strong foundation for its future growth.

What does the future hold? Short-term, I envision full funding for New England qualifiers to J1, World Junior, and U23 trip. I also see further expansion of our successful ski lease program that helps get kids and families on skis for the first time. And, yes, it means continual improvement of our core programs like the TD Bank Eastern Cup Series, BKL Festival, Championship events, Gaining the Edge Clinics, Kids Ski Days, and more… Longer term, a strong financial foundation gives us the strength to spot and seize opportunities for new programs and avenues to enhance our mission. In summary, the Annual Fund Drive is important and your contribution matters!

What will it take to reach our goals? A big part of it is the continuous support of our major sponsors like TD Bank, LL Bean, and Trapp Family Lodge, but in recent years our Annual Fund has grown… and grown… and is now a critical component of our success. Donate $5 or donate $500 if you can… NENSA is doing well, we are strong, but we need your continued support to continue to serve the xc skiing community.

Follow us, and this annual fund drive at www.twitter.com/nensa

February 09, 2011 – Help us find a cure for multiple sclerosis (MS) and you could be going to Norway! Birkie Skiers for Cures is offering a special prize this year – a trip to the Norwegian Birkebeinerrennet! For every $250 you raise or donate to Skiers for Cures, you’ll be entered into a drawing to receive a trip for two to the 2012 Norwegian Birkie!

The prize includes:
– Entry for two into the 2012 Birkebeinerrennet in Norway
– Three nights lodging for two
– Coupon for air travel up to $1000 total

The winner will be drawn on Saturday night at the Birkie Awards Ceremony at Telemark Resort.

Use the Birkie Skiers for Cures pin as a fundraising tool. And remember, by wearing your pin on your ski bib you can win exciting prizes at the finish line.

Birkie Skiers for Cures – Wear the pin to win!
Birkie Skiers for Cures commemorative pins are available again this year for a minimum $20 donation. Designed by long-time Birkie skier Kay Lum, funds raised through pin sales go to support multiple sclerosis (MS) research.

Wear your Skiers for Cures pin on your ski bib during the race and you’re eligible to win terrific prizes, including a Salomon ski package, Fischer racing skis, free registration to the 2012 Birkie, gift certificates from New Moon and Fontana, and more! Berkeley Running, Erehwon, Outdoor Ventures, the Bike Doctor, REI, Gear West, Toko, Smartwool and other fantastic vendors are also donating prizes. Prizes will be awarded randomly every hour as skiers cross the finish lines. Last year nearly 50 skiers received prizes.

Pins are available by emailing Kelly.Wierdsma@nmss.org or calling 800.242.3358. Pins will also be available at the Birkie office and on-site at the Birkie.

wisMS.org for more info.
www.birkie.com