Hi all, thank you for helping me meet my original goal. We have just learned that the original amount does not include my air flight, therefore I have increased my goal amount to $2,600 to help cover those costs.

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I have been chosen to join a small group of US junior biathletes to attend the 2024 Liatoppen Junior Biathlon Festival in Norway this spring. My dream since I was a little kid has been to race in the Olympics in biathlon. This trip will give me the opportunity to experience an international race and I hope that YOU will help me get there.

In order to attend the trip I need to raise $1800 to cover my travel to and race expenses in Norway...in THREE DAY. Selection was made Saturday, October 28 and funds are due by Wednesday, November 1.

This year I am focused on being more consistent with working out and eating correctly. An athletic goal of mine for this season is to qualify and race at Junior Nationals in March for cross-country skiing and in biathlon to consistently clean the targets while having an elevated heart rate.

The application process for 2024 Liatoppen Junior Biathlon Festival trip required two references; one from my biathlon coach and the other from a teacher or mentor. I am incredibly honored to have received such kind and thoughtful recommendations from Maddie Phaneuf, NYSEF biathlon coach, and Matt Smith, NCS director of school.

Maddie wrote, "He’s a determined young athlete who has big goals, and I think this trip would be a great opportunity for him to get a real taste of what biathlon racing looks like outside of the USA. River shows up to practice excited to learn more and grow as a biathlete. He’s always

a team-player, a very positive person, and simply a fun kid to coach. I believe he’d

blend well with any group he’s thrown into and would be a great addition to the team in

Norway!"

Matt wrote, "...he is a curious and inquisitive student who embraces new experiences because he wants to know more about the world around him and because he is naturally curious. We are fortunate to have a student so interested in intellectual and personal development."

Thank you for considering supporting my cross-country skiing and biathlon goals. Your support will help make this opportunity possible for me.