Team Ollie 2019 Iditarod Purse
Donation protected
With the 2019 Iditarod trail conditions being as tough as they were, Musher Lev Shvarts of Team Ollie made the decision to scratch in Unalakleet. He came into the checkpoint with 7 happy, energetic and healthy dogs, but knowing that the tough coastal portion of the trail was ahead, and knowing he had little room to adjust for new soreness or injury from bad trail or weather conditions, he decided to ensure the team's health and well-being for the future. Lev's dogs always come first, and his decision to end his race early well reflects his sled dog racing, training and care philosophies.
Even with the rough trail conditions, Lev was inside the top 20 during this race, an exceptional improvement over his last two Iditarod races. His performance this year is a testament to his sled dog breeding and training efforts. Running a team of mostly 2 to 3 year olds, he'll become a musher to watch over the next few years as his dogs reach their prime.
But, mushing is a very expensive sport. And without large corporate sponsors and the kindness of fans, most mushers barely make ends meet. Since Lev will not be receiving a finisher's check this year, I've put together this fund raiser to help him defray the enormous costs of getting to the Iditarod and having to get himself and his team back home to Willow.
Lev and his wife Melissa are the type of people who would give the last shirt off their backs to help a friend, or even total stranger, in need. Their dogs, cats, ferrets, horses, goats and other critters never go without, but they will choose to do so instead.
Join me in donating to this fund to thank them both for sharing Team Ollie with us. For taking such amazing care of their canine athletes and for sacrificing their own comforts for those of their animals. For allowing us to think of their dogs as our own virtual pack. For tirelessly answering our questions. For being available even in the midst of race preparation. For always thinking of everyone else, and not just themselves. For embodying the true spirit of sled dog racing, and for being wonderful people who many of us are lucky enough to call "friend".
Even with the rough trail conditions, Lev was inside the top 20 during this race, an exceptional improvement over his last two Iditarod races. His performance this year is a testament to his sled dog breeding and training efforts. Running a team of mostly 2 to 3 year olds, he'll become a musher to watch over the next few years as his dogs reach their prime.
But, mushing is a very expensive sport. And without large corporate sponsors and the kindness of fans, most mushers barely make ends meet. Since Lev will not be receiving a finisher's check this year, I've put together this fund raiser to help him defray the enormous costs of getting to the Iditarod and having to get himself and his team back home to Willow.
Lev and his wife Melissa are the type of people who would give the last shirt off their backs to help a friend, or even total stranger, in need. Their dogs, cats, ferrets, horses, goats and other critters never go without, but they will choose to do so instead.
Join me in donating to this fund to thank them both for sharing Team Ollie with us. For taking such amazing care of their canine athletes and for sacrificing their own comforts for those of their animals. For allowing us to think of their dogs as our own virtual pack. For tirelessly answering our questions. For being available even in the midst of race preparation. For always thinking of everyone else, and not just themselves. For embodying the true spirit of sled dog racing, and for being wonderful people who many of us are lucky enough to call "friend".
Organizer and beneficiary
Lisa Nalewak
Organizer
Willow, AK
Lev Shvarts
Beneficiary