Tuesday, May 22, 2012

Team USA Fundraising Kickoff

This is a weird, awkward, angst-filled post to write. Take a deep breath (sigghhhh), jump right in, here goes: 

I'm kicking off a campaign to raise support to get to Auckland, New Zealand in October to compete on Team USA at the ITU Age Group World Championships and I am asking for help.

There. I said it.

When I earned the Team USA spot last August and committed to getting myself to this race, I pledged to finance the majority of the trip through a creative combination of sponsors, individual support, and odd jobs. It's very expensive -- at least $5500 for the flight, room, race fees, uniform, expenses, etc. Crazy, yes, I agree!!

It turns out it's very difficult to get corporate-type sponsorships as an individual, even when you offer services in return to work with their employees and fitness missions. However, I'm very fortunate to have strong support from Solar Connexion, our region's premier solar energy contractor. With my background in sustainability education and community renewable energy projects it's a great fit.

In addition, I've had some friends and family earnestly ask to contribute. I am now offering a way to do so and am very humbly asking for that support. You can use the button below or the "widget" at the bottom of the page!


This trip will not cure a disease or directly solve any of our countless and dire global problems. But I intend for this journey to further show how sport can renew our spirit, deepen our character, build courage, and provide hope -- traits that are sadly falling in short supply among us. That is what drives me in triathlon and compels me to see this through to a World Championship.

I give my most sincere thanks and deepest appreciation to all who offer support and encouragement in any form.


Direct links to support pages: [Pledge Team Support for Cort] [Sponsors & Supporters]