Jasmine's Olympic Journey

We all love the Olympics. Every four years, we watch with awe and say, "that's us!" Those athletes are us. We, as fans, take ownership of their success, skill, journey, and achievements. But we don't own the injuries, mental stress, hectic travel schedules, lack of personal life, and most importantly, the cost. Snowboarding is unique in its place in the Olympics. Along with a handful of other disciplines, there is an avenue of success, money, and career that pays far more and is more attractive to sponsors than the Olympic games. This makes it very difficult for aspiring young snowboarders to achieve the goal of making it to the games. They rely solely on funding managed by bureaucrats and governing bodies of sport. Unless the athletes have a successful sub career, they rely strictly on those managed funds. Over the years, I have watched aspiring young athletes and Olympians have to work jobs rather than train, miss opportunities because they can't afford to go, and have to pick and choose based on available money. I watched college funds get depleted, and parents spend retirement savings and even sell homes to help get their kids to the games. Walking into opening ceremonies representing your country is like no other feeling in the world. I KNOW. But if you have that burden of debt pressure, how will you focus on the task at hand?

 

Beaver Valley has produced some of the most respected legends of Canadian professional snowboarding and icons/industry leaders in the sport over the last 35 years. More than any other club. But in a day where sponsorship was abundant, money was rarely an issue for them.

I have assisted Jasmine in acquiring sponsorship and consulted on her career strategy over the past years. It has been an expensive journey for her. Regardless of funding, the costs are still high, and I am happy to pass the hat, so she doesn't have to worry about the massive debt load she and her parents have incurred to get her here. We're not just looking at one Olympics. We're looking to the future as well. We take care of our own in Canada, and we dam well make sure our family at the Beav has the means to continue representing the Club and our country at this level.

 

Even with national funding and sponsorship, Jasmine costs at least an additional 35k a year to train and compete. She has been forced to burn through her college fund, chip into her parent's RRSP's, and a re-mortgage on their home. This is her first games, but we can expect 1- 2 more at her age. Let's help her get there. If everyone just pitched in 25-50.00 from the club, this kid is flying the flag for Beaver Valley and Canada for more Olympic events.

 

This amount we are trying to raise will pay her current training debts and cover the next 1-2 years of competing worldwide on the pro tour.  All funds will be managed and paid to proven expenses.

 

I'm in for helping any athlete that can be awesome from anywhere in Canada, especially our club.. Are you?

 

 

 

 

Good Luck, kiddo!

 

WE'RE ROOTING FOR YOU.