February 11, 2010 (Vancouver, BC) – The U.S. Men’s Jumping Team lost its funding from the U.S. Ski Association in 2006. Shortly thereafter they formed the Project X Team funded by supporters concerned about preserving the sport in the country. But no major sponsors, beyond the athlete’s moms and dads, came knocking on their door. To support their dreams, Peter Frenette worked at an ice cream stand, Nick Alexander washed dishes, and Anders Johnson cut grass and spread sod.

Given the challenges it’s a major surprise to the jumpers that they’ve made it to Vancouver ready to compete. Eurosport covers the Team’s arrival and their press conference <a href=”http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/video/09022010/58/unfunded-ready.html”>here</a>.

A strong performance at the Olympic Games could see the reinstatement, and funding for the team in the future. The team won’t be attending Friday evening’s Opening Ceremony because they have qualifying jumps that morning at the jumping site in Whistler. If they don’t qualify that morning, they’re out of the running even before the Games begin.

But the jumpers are optimistic. Ranging in age from 17-21, they’ve left high school and put off college to chase their dreams. Alexander, the team’s elder statesman at all of 21, confidently told the New York Times, “We’ll be up there one day