Support the 2009 US Paragliding Team

Please consider making a donation to the US team - five of our country's very best competition pilots (and two experienced team leaders) have been selected to represent us against the world's best financed teams in Valle de Bravo, Mexico, in January of next year. Please take a minute to read the team's letter below, and click through to the team website to show your support.

Dear Paragliding Pilots and Friends:

U. S. Paragliding Team, a Nevada Non-Profit Corporation, has been set up under the rules of IRS 501(c)3 to help subsidize the expenses of the U.S. Paragliding Team’s participation in the World Paragliding Championships which are held every two years at various locations all over the planet. On January 23rd through February 7, 2009, the World Paragliding Championships will be held in Valle de Bravo, Mexico: www.pwmex2009.com.

I had the honor of attending the last World Paragliding Championships in Manilla, Australia and it would not have been possible for me without the creation of this Non-Profit Corporation and the unbelievable generosity of the paragliding community. Now it's my turn to give back and help raise the money for the new 2009 U.S. Paragliding Team. Please help me spread the word and reach "Our" goal.

This year’s U.S. Paragliding Team includes Eric Reed, Matt 'Farmer' Beechinor, Brad Gunnuscio, Josh Cohn and Kari Castle. The Team Leaders are Rob Sporrer and Jeff Huey (thanks to you both for taking this on!). As you well know, these spots were hard fought over the last 2 years with the highest caliber flying I have ever witnessed in U.S. competition history. All of these pilots have worked extremely hard to earn their position on the U.S. Paragliding Team. The U.S. team also won the Pre-Worlds (warm-up event to the World Championships) in Valle this year against a very strong international field, AND we had 2 members on the podium at Monarca Competition just a few days before. There is no doubt they have an excellent chance to be on the podium as individuals and as a team. It is now our job to help them in their quest to represent the United States of America in this World arena!

This event is over two weeks long. Besides being mentally and physically demanding, it also demands a substantial financial commitment. The estimated cost for our U. S. Team and team leaders to participate in this year's World Championships is $15,000.00. It is up to us to help lighten the burden for our team and for all U.S. Paragliding Teams to come. Please support our team by visiting usparaglidingteam.org and making a donation to this non-profit corporation.

We have raised approximately $6,750 as of October 13, 2008, so we are on our way to reach our goal of $15,000.00, but we won't make it without you.

U.S. Paragliding Team, a Nevada Non-Profit Corporation, is hoping that all United States Paragliding pilots will take pride in their team and donate money to the team. Donations in any amount are welcome and appreciated. These donations are tax deductible. Thank you in advance for your support.

All members of this non-profit corporation are volunteers and are not paid for their time and services. All funds raised from donations go directly to the U.S. Team to subsidize their participation in World Championship competition.

WE KINDLY ASK YOU TO PLEASE FORWARD THIS E-MAIL TO YOUR PARAGLIDING CLUB AND ALL PARAGLIDER PILOTS IN YOUR E-MAIL ADDRESS BOOK.

Please remember, we need the support of the paragliding community to make this work!!!

Thank you all for making this dream possible!

Bill Belcourt, President
U.S. Paragliding Team, a Nevada Non-Profit Corporation
http://www.usparaglidingteam.org