Letter: Help skier realize Olympic dreams

Help skier realize Olympic dreams

I am currently a member of the U.S. Ski Team’s World Cup Speed Team. Mike Marolt and Montezuma Basin’s Productions will be hosting a reception, silent auction and screening of the Ski Channel film “Winter” at 5:30 p.m. Friday at the Belly Up to help raise funds for my training and travel expenses. Last year I returned from injury to win the Europa Cup Downhill in Val d ’Isere France, and this season I am competing for selection to the Sochi Olympic team.

Unfortunately ski racing is a dangerous and expensive sport. The U.S. Ski Team does not provide travel funding for B, C, and D team athletes while racing and training throughout the year. As a World Cup Speed Team member, I am required to pay $25,000 to the U.S. Ski Team for lodging, food and travel over the winter season.

Over the summer months, I dryland train at the US Ski Team’s Center of Excellence gym in Park City, Utah. During the summer training block, nothing is covered by the ski team and all expenses fall to me. Medical expenses add to the burden.

To continue competing on the World Cup and for selection to the Sochi Olympic team, I ask the community to help support my development and Olympic dreams. A silent auction will feature an Aspen classic Hayes silversmith belt buckle, Oakley and Strafe products, as well as products and gift certificates generously donated by many Aspen shops and restaurants including Mezzaluna, L’Hosteria, Matsuhisa, Rustique, Jimmy’s, Big Wrap, Victoria’s, Kenichi, Red Onion and many others. Donations are greatly appreciated.

Please join me at the Belly Up at 5:30 p.m. on Friday.

Wiley Maple

Aspen