Kelly Curtis: Olympic Skeleton Hopeful

As you may have heard during these past Summer Olympics, Team USA isn't officially supported by the government. Although, a number of my teammates are on government assistance programs so in a round about way, we sort of are. The typical US slider will work tirelessly throughout the offseason and live off their savings during the season. Any odd job I work goes directly into supporting my sport. Some of those jobs include being a Program Coordinator for Rennert International's Summer Teen Program, a substitute teacher, a dog-walker, and most recently a Dick's Sporting Goods Team USA Contender.

I have my M.Ed. and have been made aware that I can make money doing virtually anything else. It's strictly a volunteer sport until you have proven yourself capable of competing at the top level. I also believe that I will be a successful skeleton slider so I have to humbly ask for your support. This season will position sliders leading into the Olympic year and the years to come. 

In a nutshell, it's my duty as part of Team USA Skeleton to make sure we send our best sliders to the World Championships and Olympic Games. Of course my long term goal is to podium at one of these, however the road is very long in the niche sport of Skeleton. Frankly, I'm excited to see what happens next. 

Why I need support:

●USA Bobsled and Skeleton Athletes are self-funded until they reach the World Cup Level

●Medal Contending Skeleton Sliders have a fast push start (✔3rd fastest in USA),are heavy (✔ 165# solid) and have experience on the best equipment (✅ still on starter sled)

●Starter sled has introduced me to the sport but I will need to update my equipment to be competitive 

•Competitive Sled=$8,000

•Uvex Helmet=$500

Tax-Deductible Donations

While Fundly is the most friendly crowdfunding website (it takes the least amount out per donation at 7.9%), any donation made on this site is considered a gift and therefore not tax-deductible. If you would like to make a tax-deductible donation, please visit http://www.teamusa.org/USA-Bobsled-Skeleton-Federation/Resources/For-Athletes/Athlete-Training-Fund/Donate-Online.