U.S. Women Ski Jumpers eyeing Sochi 2014; aim to raise $100,000 through crowdfunding, annual benefit

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PARK CITY, Utah — U.S. Women’s Ski Jumping Team members aim to raise $100,000 at an annual gala benefit July 18 in Park City, which will serve as the kick-off to their most significant competition season ever.

Over the next seven months, team members will be preparing for their much-anticipated debut in the 2014 Olympic Winter Games in February in Sochi, Russia — the first time ever women ski jumpers will compete on the sport’s biggest stage.

“The team needs to attend every winter World Cup (and some summer competitions) to ensure they get the necessary points to meet Olympic criteria,” said Deedee Corradini, Women’s Ski Jumping USA president. “Traveling back and forth to Russia and Asia gets incredibly expensive. But we have to be there.”

The U.S. could send up to four women ski jumpers to the Sochi Games, but each would need to be ranked in the top 30 in World Cup points to qualify. Their track record proves they have the mettle to make that happen. In 2012 and 2013, the U.S. Women’s Ski Jumping Team won the prized Nations Cup. Three jumpers were ranked overall in the top 10 this year, led by 2013 World Champion Sarah Hendrickson.

Power of the Crowd

The team is working to raise $25,000 of the $100,000 goal through the online sports crowdfunding site RallyMe.com, where people can purchase July 18 benefit tickets and/or make a contribution (from $25 to $3,500) and get great Swag. Go to: https://www.rallyme.com/rallies/94 or http://www.wsjusa.com

Utah’s Olympic Legacy: Meet the Athletes

World Cup team members Lindsey Van, Jessica Jerome, Alissa Johnson, Abby Hughes and Sarah Hendrickson all grew up and trained to be elite ski jumpers in Park City, Utah. Each one was inspired by the 2002 Salt Lake Games. Veterans Jerome and Van even participated in 2002 as fore-jumpers for the men’s Olympic ski jumping competition. For them, 2014 will be like coming full circle as they carry on that trailblazing spirit.

“We’re proud to represent the legacy of the 2002 Salt Lake Games,” Van said. “We hope to make our state, country, family, friends and supporters very proud.”

Members of the Women’s Ski Jumping USA Development Team — future Olympic hopefuls — also will be at the gala benefit. They hail from all across the United States.

EVENT DETAILS

WHAT: Benefit for U.S. Women's Ski Jumping Team

WHEN: 6-9 PM, THURSDAY, JULY 18

WHERE: Montage Deer Valley

WHO: Meet 2013 World Champion Sarah Hendrickson, 2009 World Champion Lindsey Van, 10-time National Champion Jessica Jerome, and elite jumpers Alissa Johnson and Abby Hughes.

TICKETS/DONATE: www.rallyme.com/rallies/94

Single ticket $175, with d

iscount on multiple ticket orders and special room rate at the Montage.

MORE INFO: www.wsjusa.com

Hosted by: Women’s Ski Jumping USA

Proudly Supported by: Montage Deer Valley and Johndrow Vineyards

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