Support the Dream - Share the Glory

Greetings, 

I would like to introduce myself and tell you about my mission. My name is Ryan Semple and my goal is to compete for Canada in the Winter Olympics in Vancouver in February 2010.  

I have been competing on the Alpine World Cup Circuit since 2002 and participated in the last winter Olympics in Torino in 2006. In 2007 and 2008, I underwent two serious hip operations that made competing difficult and I had disappointing results. As a consequence, the ski team discontinued their backing and I was on my own for finances and technical support for 2008 – 2009 season.

Many would have given up but I did not. I was more determined than ever to prove to the team that I had what it takes to be a winner. With personal savings from past years, and financial support from family and close friends who believed in me, I tackled the season with complete commitment although I was still recovering from the surgery. I trained hard and prepared myself as best I could. It was a real challenge, as I had to organize travel and lodging, buy food and cook for myself, go to physiotherapy, train on the hill and in the gym, and prepare my own skis and equipment. This was all on a tight schedule, with limited resources, as I raced across the country both in Canada and the US. It was very hard to be on my own and sometimes very discouraging. However, as the ski season wound down, I found myself in the enviable position of competing for a spot in two ski disciplines, Slalom and Super Combined. The Slalom spot depended on the result of the last run of the last race of the season. It was quite stressful, but I am proud to say I won my own spot in both disciplines for the current World Cup season.

These successes allowed me to rejoin the Canadian National Ski Team, but at a cost - $30,000 to join and another $20,000 for technical support. Put simply, the team has limited financial resources going into the Olympics and I am forced to pay my own way to compete. I am absolutely willing and prepared to meet this financial and athletic challenge. If I am to qualify for the Olympics I have to do my best between now and when the Olympic Team is named in late January. Therefore, it will be necessary to focus all of my attention on skiing rather than worrying about whether I can pay my expenses, wax my own skis, buy my own food, and deal with all the other details that I had to last year.

I am asking for your financial support. It can be in the form of a donation, or as a sponsorship.  Please feel free to pass this email on to family and friends if appropriate.

Every little bit helps me get closer to my goal of competing in Vancouver for Canada this coming February. Donations can be made securely through this site. I will do my best and I appreciate whatever support you can offer. Thank you for considering my request.

Sincerely yours,
Ryan Semple