Applications open for Vail Valley Athlete Commission program grants

The Vail Valley Foundation, Vail Resorts, and the Town of Vail are happy to announce that the Vail Valley Athlete Commission Program is now accepting applications for winter 2015-16.

The Vail Valley has a long tradition of supporting athletes who compete on the international level. This community spirit is formalized in the Vail Valley Athlete Commission Program, which awards as many as 15 grants each year to deserving athletes.

“Every year it’s our great honor to continue this tradition of supporting international athletes based here in the Vail Valley,” said the Vail Valley Foundation’s Mike Imhof. “It’s through the hard work of these individuals, and the support provided by the community, that we can continue to be a world-class location for sports and athletics.”

Local Pepi Gramshammer originally conceived the idea for the Athlete Commission as a method to provide financial support for the Valley’s deserving athletes. The program supports those athletes participating in international competitions with components of scoring and ranking. Team athletes may only be considered if they have earned their place on the team via a scored or ranked individual accomplishment.

Former grant recipients include Ralph Green (Para Alpine Skier and three-time Para Olympian), Abby Ghent (USA Alpine Ski Team), Heidi Kloser (US Freestyle Ski Team), Sylvan Ellison (US Nordic Ski Team), Taylor Seaton (US Snowboard Team), Mandy Ortiz (US Junior National Trail Running Team), and many others.

The commission currently consists of three funding partners: Town of Vail, Vail Resorts, Inc. and the Vail Valley Foundation.

Guidelines and criteria:

All applicants must meet the following criteria to be considered for funding:

1. Applicants must compete in international competition, outside of North America (special consideration will be given to major events like World Cup or World Championships).
2. Applicants must be residents of the Vail community for a minimum of three years and represent the Vail Valley in competition.
3. Applicants must compete as individuals; no teams will be considered for funding. Team members may apply as an individual ONLY if his/her position on the team is based on individual ranking.
4. Applicants must be a minimum age of 15 years; younger competitors will be considered on an individual basis.

In addition to these criteria, other consideration for funding will come from:

1. Athletes level of financial need
2. Level of competition in which the athlete participates

While not a requirement, the commission hopes to honor those athletes that in turn honor their community. Whenever possible, representation of a community logo is expected and greatly appreciated.

Funding is not available to athletes participating in fundraising and/or awareness events. Although the cause is most certainly worthwhile, the funding is designed for those participating in competitions of scoring and ranking. Additionally, funding is not available to seasonal athletes while they are coaching or attending seasonal training camps or to persons with a criminal record.

Please note that the Commission board reserves the right to review all applications and allocate funds on an individual basis.

Application Process:

Funds are given to up to 10-15 athletes each year on a bi-annual basis (winter and summer), however, applicants who meet the necessary criteria can only receive funding once per calendar year.

Applications for Winter 2015/2016 must be received by Oct. 30, 2015 and funds will be distributed by Nov. 13, 2015.

To apply visit http://www.vvf.org/get-involved/vail-valley-athlete-commission-program.aspx

All applications should be returned to:

Vail Valley Athlete Commission Program

C/O Vail Valley Foundation

P.O. Box 309

Vail, CO 81658

Attn: Jennifer Mason

Email: jmason@vvf.org

Visit www.vvf.org to learn more.