The T2 Foundation and World Cup Dreams Foundation are merging to become one powerhouse of an organization serving the ski community and its large base of talented athletes throughout the USA.
“This is a merger that simply makes sense. Both World Cup Dreams and T2 have been working hard for years, essentially trying to do the same thing: support athletes and help them achieve their dreams. Merging together will allow us to streamline the process of the avenues athletes can turn to for financial support and it will allow us to grow together and pursue more creative ways to have a positive impact with the community,” Marina Knight, Director of T2 Foundation said.
T2 Foundation: The T2 Foundation is a non-profit organization established in 2008 with the mission of helping America’s best skiers become the world’s best skiers. Since its inception, T2 has granted athletes in need over $2M in direct support through its grant programs. It has also served the ski and youth communities through its various programs, which give back to help inspire youth all around the country.
World Cup Dreams Foundation: The mission of WCD Foundation is to further the growth and development of the nation’s best athletes by helping them realize their athletic goals and dreams through career management, mentorship and financial support. The foundation has granted over $1,000,000 to athletes over the last 5 years and was founded by former US Ski Team athletes, Bryon Friedman and Erik Schlopy.
The T2 Foundation will continue its Team T2 and Junior Team grants as it has in the past. Athletes will follow the same process of applying for funds. The process will be altered and the application period, grant decision process and disbursement will be condensed into a three-month period beginning April 15, 2021.
“I have lived the life of a funded, non-funded, injured, and successful athlete, unfortunately, all of these require some form of financial support. I have always wanted to help bridge the funding gaps that ski racers face, and becoming the Executive Director of World Cup Dreams Foundation is the first step to making this a reality,” Tommy Biesemeyer, newly appointed Executive Director of World Cup Dreams said.
The mission of the two organizations together will be to further the growth and development of the nation's best athletes by helping them realize their athletic goals and dreams through career management, mentorship, and financial support. There will be a strong emphasis on fundraising in various and creative ways to help athletes achieve their goals and to grow programs within the organization. For every dollar raised more than 90% goes back to the athletes. There's no big office, no fancy cars, no big salaries, and no unnecessary overhead.
We are just a band of brothers and sisters who want the best for the next generation of dreamers.
For more information on the T2/World Cup Dreams merger please contact:
Marina Knight, 435-901-7060, marina@worldcupdreams.org