A budget shortfall had threatened to force athletes to fund their own travel to the final three FIS World Cup events of the season for Canada’s Freestyle Mogul Team despite the team’s four-medal performance at the Sochi Winter Olympics.
“We knew we were short of funding for the season” said incoming Canadian Freestyle Ski Association CEO Bruce Robinson, “but the decision was made to do everything possible to prepare the team for the Olympics. I don’t think anyone could say that was an incorrect decision based on the great results that we had in Sochi.”
As of last week the budget problem had not be resolved and the team was told in Sochi that their travel costs to Japan and back to Norway and France could not be covered. With these major events on the horizon the CFSA staff had to move quickly and approach possible sponsors who could be a good fit. Reaching out to Toyo Tires Canada on the benefits of being part of a first class team paid off.
As of Friday Toyo Tires, a long-time supporter of team member Eddie Hicks, committed to covering the shortfall and hopefully moving forward as a supporter in seasons to come.
With Justine and Chloe Dufour-Lapointe, and Mikael Kingsbury and Alex Bilodeau all in the hunt for the overall World Cup title this was a big relief to all the athletes.
“The team is, of course, delighted and thankful for Toyo Tires’ support” said Robinson, “this is great news for everyone”.
The Canadian team will wear Toyo Tires® logos on their uniforms for the last three World Cups of the season.
Ron Golab, spokesperson for Toyo Tires, said: “We’re excited to be part of the entire team. Our experience with Eddie and the sport over the past couple of years has been very positive. Being able to support a group of dedicated young Canadians like this, who have recently represented their country so well, is a privilege for us. We are excited to cheer them on as they compete for the World Cup.”
Toyo Tires has seen the benefits with being involved in amateur sport ranging from skiing, hockey to bike riding. By moving forward on a national level with Freestyle, Toyo Tires hopes to be more involved in a variety of levels of our sport.
The team competes in Inawashiro, Japan on February 28 and March 1.
Photo of mogul skier Alex Bilodeau courtesy of Freestyle Canada.
SnowOnline Editor: Lori Knowles
