By: Peter LangeThe SYNC Athlete Fund (SAF) and their partner, the Team America Foundation (TAF), are among those groups. Together, they have provided over a million dollars to over 150 athletes since 2016.
Dan Leever founded the TA Foundation and the SYNC Athlete Fund for a specific reason. He reflected on his father’s words: “If you don’t put something back into the pot, one day you will reach in, and it will be empty.” He emphasizes that luck and support played a significant role in his business success. Now he views helping others as a clear and necessary endeavor. Both of Leever’s sons were ski racers, and now his grandson is a U16. Over the decades, he has devoted significant thought and time to helping his local Ski and Snowboard Club Vail and USSS. Undoubtedly, Leever loves ski racing. “One of the things I love about ski racing is that the fastest from point A to point B wins. But that doesn’t mean politics aren’t involved in the sport. I know some decisions by our NGB have disadvantaged athletes, especially the older ones. Eliminating our men’s World Cup SL team in the spring of 2018 is one glaring example.” Leever reveals, “Providing funding for these athletes so they can continue to chase their dream is a core focus. In general, the sport has become too expensive. The SYNC Athlete Fund’s (SAF) current focus is to support athletes from U16 and up. Our support enables athletes who otherwise might not be able to fully participate to take full advantage of the development opportunities available to them. To see athletes like Tricia Mangan, Paula Moltzan, Brian McLaughlin, George Steffey and AJ Ginnis make it back to the top after struggling as independents is especially rewarding. It wouldn’t feel right to pour our resources into our family’s ski racing endeavors without also spreading them more broadly.”
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