The country's top downhill cycling athletes hope to make a mark on the world stage next month, but they need their fans' help.
The National Canadian Downhill Cycling Team is facing a potentially insurmountable challenge in its attempts to make it to the biggest event of the year next month, the 2007 World Mountain Championships in Fort William, Scotland.
But it's not a stronger team that's holding them back - it's money.
Since the sport is not an Olympic event, the team's 10 members hailing from all over Canada - including Miranda Miller of Squamish - don't receive funding from Sport Canada. The lack of funding is threatening the sport on a national level. But team manager Chris Colbeck said he refuses to see the sport die.
"I will not sit back and watch the athletes struggle year after year after year financially," he said. "It paralyzes the future growth of the sport."
The team is trying to raise approximately $2,200 each to travel and race at Fort William and cover expenses, including two staff members, a coach and a mechanic.
The event anticipates an attendance of approximately 40,000 and spectators have to purchase gondola tickets in advance for fear of being sold out.
Colbeck's efforts have led to the establishment of the National Downhill Cycling Foundation of Canada (NDCFC), and the foundation's first fundraiser is being held Tuesday (Aug. 28).
"This is a reality, so instead of beating a dead horse, I've started a foundation and I'm soliciting funds," said Colbeck.
Colbeck is gathering all the team's supporters for a gala fundraiser starting with a three-course mean at Granville Island's Fiddlehead Joe's followed by a night of dancing to the music of Yuca at the downtown Vancouver club, The Plaza. For more information email Chris Colbeck at [email protected].
