Grand Nordic’s effort to support and grow opportunities for young Nordic skiers in Grand County received a significant boost this month, thanks to a $3,000 grant from The Grand Foundation. The grant will help fund new equipment for preschool and elementary school “Learn to Ski” programs, much-needed upgrades for the East Grand Middle School ski inventory, and additional high school uniforms to support a growing team. In addition Grand Foundation’s support will provide more scholarship funds for local high school Nordic athletes to assist with costs of program fees, racing fees and equipment.
“This grant will really jump-start our efforts this year!” said Grand Nordic president and long-time champion of youth programs, Diana Lynn Rau. Having quality equipment to learn on makes skiing a lot more fun and increases the likelihood that a child will continue with skiing as a lifelong sport. Learn more at www.grandnordic.org.
According to Rau, “Middle school athletes check out equipment from inventory for use in training and racing. These athletes are out there racing every weekend against skiers from all over the state and having quality skies, boots and poles that fit well lets them perform at their best. We are overdue to bring new gear online and this grant will go a long way toward making it happen.” Last year 50 middle schoolers participated in the program.
MPHS Nordic head coach, Mike Lohman, was thrilled to hear about Grand Foundation’s support. “We had 27 athletes on the team last year and a few had to race in older uniforms. Our goal next season is to have everyone in the newer uniforms, looking good and racing fast!” Lohman also noted, “We have some of the best Nordic facilities in the country, combined with a long season and outstanding conditions. The biggest challenge for many aspiring local skiers and their families is the cost of participating in programs such as the Winter Park Comp Center program, combined with travel expenses to race. By providing scholarships to local athletes, it opens up the possibility of progressing to the elite level.”
Established in 1996, The Grand Foundation is a philanthropic organization serving all of Grand County, Colorado. The Foundation seeks to improve the quality of life in Grand County by proactively addressing current and future needs in the areas of Health & Human Services, Arts & Culture, Education, Amateur Sports and Environment. The Grand Foundation has granted over $8.3 Million to more than 150 qualified Grand County organizations that provide essential services and programs, touching thousands of lives in Grand County. Learn more at www.grandfoundation.com.
