Note
While my roommates get financial assistance for housing, travel, and accomodation, I'm now wondering how much I'll need to pay for WOC 2017, even with the funds from my fundraising. The contrast is a painful reminder of why Spain is improving their performance internationally and we're struggling.
And this is the most positive scenario at this juncture... man. How did we get here? And people were considering continuing the ED position?
I hope most who read my log know that I'm not really concerned about money. It's a means to an end; certainly not an end itself. I didn't decide to compete in orienteering to get rich and few do, but I need support. I've slept on more gym floors before important races than I care to remember. I've hitchhiked to events because I didn't want to miss out on a top-quality map. And I'd do it all again in a heartbeat because I love this sport and I want to represent the US as best as possible.
But it takes more than WOC entry fees; you need training camps, races in relevant terrain two years beforehand, consistent and quality training on maps, excellent nutrition, time for activities away from the sport.
OUSA clearly has nothing left in its treasury for the teams. So, does anyone have any ideas of how to fund this crazy idea of training to win? Because by the time OUSA is back to providing a decent amount of support, I might be past my prime. A company interested in a sponsorship? A Swiss-style fanclub? I'm all ears.