My name is Rebecca Sorensen and I am an athlete seeking sponsorship in the pursuit of an Olympic Gold Medal in the winter sport of SKELETON. As evidenced by its popularity during the 2002 Winter Games of Salt Lake City and the 2006 Winter Games of Torino, Italy, skeleton, after a long hiatus, is back on the Olympic scene. That's when I saw it for the first time. And now, after many emails, phone calls, dollars, try-outs, miles traveled and tens of bloody, sweaty, terrifying, teary-eyed trips down the track... I still love it!
Though new to the sport, I took to it like a fish to water. In my first major competition, the 2003 U.S. National Skeleton Championships held in Lake Placid on the first of March, I captured both track world records: the "push-start" and "overall down-time."
The start and "load" are very important components of our sport, requiring foot speed, leg strength and agility. I have found my collegiate track background to be an advantage. Once aboard, an athlete's ability to maintain balance and control while maneuvering the skeleton-sled down the icy track is the focus. I use my airplane piloting skills to help me react to the sled, the ice, the G-forces and the speed. Like in most extreme sports, as the competition improves athletes are forced to keep pace by updating their equipment. With all the high-speed, highimpact thrills and spills in skeleton, you can imagine how quickly "sliders" go through helmets, ice spikes, speed suits, gloves, sleds and multiple sets of "runners" (for varying ice conditions). It costs to slide fast and be competitive.
My goals are: to train hard, promote my sport, set more records, and bring home the gold from the 2010 Winter Olympic Games to be held in Vancouver, BC. After my athletic career, I plan on "giving back" by volunteering in the community and working for the environment.
My hope is that skeleton will continue to grow and become more widely recognized and appreciated by both athletes and fans. Skeleton is a special sport with many unique facets. With continued strong sponsorship, skeleton's future will be filled with many memorable moments and medal-winning performances.
Please consider me for your next tax deductible donation. With your support, I'll be able to continue representing my country and myself with pride, respect and sportsmanship.
Sincerely,
