WCDF Grants $425k to 91 Winter Athletes

Press Release provided by World Cup Dreams Foundation : Photo GEPA

World Cup Dreams Foundation awards $425k to 91 athletes for ARCO, T2 On the Rise, and T2 World Cup Grants.

New York, September 12, 2023 — World Cup Dreams Foundation (WCDF), a leading nonprofit empowering winter sports athletes, proudly announces awarding $425,000 in grants to athletes demonstrating exceptional potential and financial need for the 2023/2024 season.

This year, WCDF received over 250 applications nationwide from athletes who illustrate financial need and potential, requesting grant money for the upcoming season. This year marks WCDF’s largest grant-giving since its inception, selecting 91 athletes to receive grants to bridge their financial barriers.

WCDF’s grant program is committed to fostering talent by financially assisting athletes who demonstrate potential and financial need by eliminating financial barriers and creating a positive team culture. WCDF’s giving strategy is building a sustainable pipeline of giving from 14 years old to the U.S. Ski Team and Division I college teams, ensuring that our nation’s most talented athletes are not lost to the cost of the sport.

As a top-10 world-ranked Alpine World Cup athlete and 2022 Olympic Silver Medalist, Ryan Cochran Siegle describes our gold standard philosophy: “WCDF has been a part of my journey on the US Ski Team from the very beginning when I was first nominated to the Development team in 2010. Since then, WCDF has provided the necessary financial support to stay invested in my progression, which took years as I worked my way up from the Nor-Am level to the top steps of the World Cup and Olympics. WCDF has been paramount to my success, and I know it could not have been achieved without them and their mission.”

The 91 WCDF grant recipients were selected through a grant allocation evaluation process based on multiple criteria: an athlete’s athletic achievements, potential for success on the international stage, financial need and dedication to their sport. The grants were distributed as follows:

ARCO Grant: Recognizing the importance of nurturing young talent, WCDF awarded 14 exceptional athletes with outstanding potential at the U16 level. These grants will provide vital financial support and mentorship by World Cup skier & Olympian River Radamus to help these young athletes pursue their dreams of competing at the highest level. The goal is to cultivate long-lasting relationships at a young age to ensure these athletes are never lost to the cost of sport while establishing the right approach to make their dreams a reality through mentorship and financial support.

T2 On the Rise Grant: These grants will assist the WCDF’s rising stars as they continue to develop their skills and chase their World Cup dreams through their formidable years of ski racing development. WCDF will grant 59 athletes from first-year FIS to second-year PG who have demonstrated they are on the cusp of breaking through to the elite level.

T2 World Cup Grant: To support athletes in their quest for World Cup glory, WCDF will award 17 athletes who have demonstrated the potential to compete at the highest international level. The pinnacle of achievement for any athlete is representing their country on the world stage. WCDF’s mission is to support, sustain and promote the careers of our nation’s most elite athletes.

T2 Team Grant:  WCDF provides support for two professional cross-country (XC) teams: the Stratton Mountain School (SMS) T2 Team and the Bridger Ski Foundation (BSF) T2 Team. The goal of supporting these teams is to ensure that the best cross-country athletes in the country receive financial support, which allows them to train and compete on world-class teams together.

WCDF’s Executive Director & Olympian, Tommy Biesemeyer, commented on the grants: “At World Cup Dreams, we are committed to identifying and supporting athletes who show exceptional promise and dedication to their sports, regardless of financial constraints. These grants represent our continued commitment to leveling the playing field and ensuring that talented athletes have the resources to chase their World Cup dreams through our sustainable pipeline of giving.”

WCDF selected athletes from diverse backgrounds to support alpine, cross-country, freestyle skiing and snowboarding, who all share the goal of pursuing the World Cup Dream, embodying dedication, perseverance and excellence. WCDF congratulates our 2023/24 grant recipients while acknowledging our donor support in helping athletes realize their potential on the international stage.

For more information about World Cup Dreams and its grants program, please visit worldcupdreams.org.

About World Cup Dreams: WCDF is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting talented athletes on their journey to compete at the highest level of international sports. Through financial assistance and mentorship, WCDF aims to empower athletes to overcome financial barriers and achieve their dreams and stands behind – “For the athletes, by the athletes.”