Support Team USA Para Bobsled at 2024 World Cup

I am asking for your help in raising funds to help me participate in the 2024 World Cup Races as a Forerunner for Team USA.

Next month, I have been invited to be a Forerunner at the 2024 World Cup Para Bobsled races in St. Moritz, Switzerland and Lillehammer, Norway. . A forerunner is a bobsled driver that slides down the track before the training or competition begins. The role of the forerunner is to test the track and equipment before the athletes compete in the World Cup. As you can imagine, it is an incredible honor to receive this invite.

My name is DJ Skelton and I am a Bobsledder!

Yes, you read correctly! I drive a Bobsled, without an eye, and without the use of my left hand.

I began my Bobsled journey in 2021 when I was invited to a camp for wounded warriors to learn about the sport. In March of 2023 I qualified for Team USA Para Bobsled as one of the first disabled athletes in the Push division. The push division requires the para-athlete to push the bobsled by him/herself, load into the sled, and drive the sled down the track. The seated division is for para-athletes who do not have use of their legs and began the race already seated in the sled. A mechanical launcher pushes them onto the track to begin their race.

This year is a special year for Para Bobsled. You see, Para Bobsled has never been included in the Paralympics, even though Bobsled was introduced at the first ever Winter Olympics in 2024. This year will mark the 9th World Cup for the sport. There will be over 10 countries participating! Each successful international race will contribute to the International Paralympic Committee choosing to invite the sport to the 2026 Paralympics in Cortina, Italy, making history for the sport of Para Bobsled.

The 2024 World Cup race will take place from Feb 25 - March 25 in three locations: St. Moritz, Lillehammer, and La Plagne.

Each athlete will spend approximately $15000 in expenses for airfare, lodging, transportation, track fees, etc. It is the responsibility of each athlete to fund their own way to the World Cup races.

I am asking for your help in raising funds to help me participate in the 2024 World Cup Races as a Forerunner for Team USA.

Any effort is appreciated and will help "empty the rucksack" of the financial burden to represent Team USA in these races.

Please reach out if you have any questions or if you want to learn how to join the team!!!

With the utmost respect,

Your favorite Pirate, DJ Skelton