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February 4th, 2021 was the day that I found out that I was invited to the Freeride Junior World Championships. Only 6 girls from across the world are invited to this event and I am one of them! The competition is going to be held March 30th through April 3rd, in Verbier, Switzerland. I have seen videos, movies, and pictures of this legendary mountain but I could never picture myself riding it, just 7 weeks from now!
I am the only female, big mountain, snowboarder in the far west region of the United States. It has been challenging to be the only 15-18 year old girl in the most competitive region but it has taught me perseverance and resilience. That said, I know that if I am given the chance to influence other young female snowboarders, I can show them the possibilities of where they can go in this sport. I look up to many professional snowboarders but most of them are not big mountain riders. I believe that I can have a positive impact on the sport if I am able to represent Lake Tahoe and the Northern California Coastside in Verbier. I am super excited about how much I have progressed in this sport and all of the accomplishments I have made in the past 13 years. I know that with hard work, determination and support, I can continue to be offered opportunities such as this.
This invitation to compete in Switzerland couldn’t come at a worse time. Traveling is tricky and not 100% safe but I just don’t think this is an opportunity I can pass up. My parents are very supportive and want me to follow my dream, which is why I am writing to you today. Besides COVID, the expense of this trip is another hurdle. Due to the pandemic, the Freeride World Tour can not provide additional support to athletes this year. I will have to cover the cost of the entire trip including flight, accommodations, food, medical testing, and contest fees. I have been working since last year and have saved some money but it is not enough to get me there. I am reaching out to ask for your help. Any amount you can contribute would be greatly appreciated.
I am the only female, big mountain, snowboarder in the far west region of the United States. It has been challenging to be the only 15-18 year old girl in the most competitive region but it has taught me perseverance and resilience. That said, I know that if I am given the chance to influence other young female snowboarders, I can show them the possibilities of where they can go in this sport. I look up to many professional snowboarders but most of them are not big mountain riders. I believe that I can have a positive impact on the sport if I am able to represent Lake Tahoe and the Northern California Coastside in Verbier. I am super excited about how much I have progressed in this sport and all of the accomplishments I have made in the past 13 years. I know that with hard work, determination and support, I can continue to be offered opportunities such as this.
This invitation to compete in Switzerland couldn’t come at a worse time. Traveling is tricky and not 100% safe but I just don’t think this is an opportunity I can pass up. My parents are very supportive and want me to follow my dream, which is why I am writing to you today. Besides COVID, the expense of this trip is another hurdle. Due to the pandemic, the Freeride World Tour can not provide additional support to athletes this year. I will have to cover the cost of the entire trip including flight, accommodations, food, medical testing, and contest fees. I have been working since last year and have saved some money but it is not enough to get me there. I am reaching out to ask for your help. Any amount you can contribute would be greatly appreciated.
Organizer and beneficiary
Dan Hanepen
Beneficiary