FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - November 6, 2024
Steamboat Springs, CO - Essential Funding Boost Secures Coaching for Nordic Combined USA
Nordic Combined USA (NCUSA) has been awarded a development grant from the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) to support a new partnership with Team Norway for the upcoming 2024-25 season. These collaborations aim to strengthen both teams and help ensure the long-term development of Nordic Combined in the United States.
"The Norwegian coaching partnership provides some great opportunities for Nordic Combined in the U.S. right now," said Jill Brabec, Board Chair of NCUSA. "Due to funding restructuring for the sport on a national level, we established Nordic Combined USA earlier this year to support the future of the sport. This partnership wouldn’t have been possible without the support of generous donors and the grant funding from FIS.”
Following the devastating news of de-funding due to financial difficulties and reorganization by the former leadership organization for Nordic Combined, a group of volunteers across the United States quickly formed a grassroots movement to take over leadership and fundraising for the sport of Nordic Combined. “We’ve come a long way in just four months of operation. We still have a way to go to cover expenses for these athletes and the sport, but we are excited and can’t wait for the upcoming winter season” said Taylor Fletcher, retired athlete and Board Member of NCUSA.
Collaborating with Team Norway will also involve U.S. coaches working closely with Norwegian coaches, exchanging training methods and strategies for high performance. Partnering with the leader in the sport, NCUSA strives to build a better program and a stronger team, while sharing resources and knowledge with the best in the world. “The support from Norway’s Nordic Combined leadership, the Norwegian coaching staff, and the Norwegian athletes has been essential to moving forward during this unprecedented summer of upheaval.” said Steve Kroll, Board Member of NCUSA.
Carter Brubaker, a U.S. National Team member, is looking forward to the opportunities this partnership will bring. "My goals this season are to break onto the World Cup circuit, earn a spot on the World Championship team, and aim for a Team Event medal at the 2025 World Championships,” said Brubaker. “Training with Team Norway will be a big step in helping me and my teammates reach these goals.”
Veteran U.S. National Team member Ben Loomis shares, "I’m thrilled to be partnering with the Norwegian team and to build on our success from last season. With a "home" World Championships in Trondheim, Norway, it's going to be an exciting event to watch!"
The US Men’s Nordic Combined Team will make its first appearance of the season at the opening World Cup in Ruka, Finland November 28-Dec 1. To support the efforts of NCUSA, donations are being accepted through the website and a GoFundMe campaign.
For more information, contact:
Jill Brubaker, Nordic Combined USA
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 907-240-2940
About Nordic Combined USA
Nordic Combined USA (NCUSA) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the sport of Nordic Combined in the United States. A legacy Olympic event, Nordic Combined blends the endurance and grit of cross-country skiing with the precision and power of ski jumping. NCUSA is committed to building a sustainable program that supports athletes from grassroots development through to elite competition, including the U.S. National Team.