My athletic goal is:
Hey there everyone!
My name is Ned Ireland I am 20 years old and from the small town of Lake Country, British Columbia. I was fortunate enough to grow up living at Big White Ski Resort and attended school there until I was 14. I basically skied everyday and spent nights on the hockey rink with friends. I raced with the Big White Racers team all throughout my childhood and loved it. After two years of successfully tearing my ACL and having reconstructive surgery on my right knee when I was 15 and 16, I contemplated quitting alpine skiing. I worked extremely hard throughout the entire rehabilitation process, after my second surgery, so that I was able make my knee strong enough to ski again. After a full season of not racing I realized I could not live without ski racing in my life and discovered ski cross and fell in love with it. The rush from racing three other competitors through jumps, berms and rollers is undeniably thrilling.
Growing up in the Okanagan I have been lucky enough to be exposed to every kind of sport imaginable. I played all high school sports (volleyball, basketball) and played just below the provincial team level in soccer. In the summer I am constantly outside either on the beautiful Okanagan Lake or out on a bike ride. The communities of Big White, Lake Country, and Kelowna have always been nurturing and supportive of my dreams. I currently attend the beautiful University of British Columbia Okanagan campus where I am entering my 3rd year in a Bachelor of Human Kinetics. I am fortunate enough to have very supportive professors who help me achieve my academic and athletic goals.
Last year 2013-14, I raced on the Nor-Am SkiCross Circuit and finished just off the overall podium in 4th. I had multiple podium finishes throughout the year and grabbed my first win in ski cross at the Sugarloaf, Maine Ski Cross Nor-Am. I travelled to Europe and competed and placed 4th at Italian National Championships which I am very proud of, as I was racing against guys who race on the World Cup. I also competed at the Junior World Championships 2014 in Valmalenco, Italy. After qualifying 16th I unfortunately crashed in the first round.
This year I raced my first World Cup at Nakiska, Alberta. It was an amazing experience competing against the best in the world. After the Nakiska World Cup I was named to the Canadian Ski Cross Development Team.
2015 Results
-1st at Ski Cooper Nor-Am
-2nd at Ski Cooper Nor-Am
-3rd at Fernie Nor-Am
-Currently 2nd in overall Nor-Am standings
I have created this campaign to help fund my trip to World Junior Championships in Valmalenco, Italy. My goal there is to make it to finals and on to the podium. I am very proud to be Canadian and am honoured to represent our great country at this event and strive to bring home a medal. After World Juniors I fly directly back to Colorado to race in Nor-Am finals where I hope to regain the top spot in the Nor-Am cup and take the overall title.
I will be using the funds for:
As a part of the Canadian Development Team I have to pay a $5000 team fee to help cover the costs of running the program. The funds I hope to raise here will partially go towards my team fee, help pay for a training camp, and help cover the costs of the travel and accommodation in Italy. After having traveled to Europe for a pre-season camp and for 3 weeks on the Europa Cup circuit I am running very low on funds to make this trip happen.
Flight- ~$2200 (I fly straight back from Italy to Denver to compete in Nor Am finals)
Accommodation, food, rental van and entry fee for 8 days in Europe- ~$2000
Half of team fees- $2500
Training camp- ~$500
Your contribution means:
With YOUR support I can live out my dreams of winning at World Juniors. I have worked hard and continue to do so and with your help all my hard work can help me win! Every dollar and everyone you share my dream with helps me and I am truly grateful. I believe in myself and have the confidence to make my dreams into reality.
Thanks for supporting me and helping my dreams come true!
Ned Ireland
