Ski Cross star launches Wounded Warriors Canada fundraising drive

KREISCHBERG, AUT (Jan. 24, 2014) — Ski cross star Dave Duncan is launching a fundraising campaign in honour of the “real Canadian heroes” who have helped inspire a breakout season that has seen him rack up his first World Cup wins, soar to the top of the men’s rankings and qualify for nomination to Canada’s team for the 2014 Sochi Olympic Winter Games.

The 31-year-old from London, Ont., has become an ambassador for Wounded Warriors Canada, a not-for-profit organization that helps ill or injured Canadian Armed Forces members. Duncan, who has a degree in aviation from the University of Alaska and has a strong affinity with the military, will be taking part in the WWC Battlefield Bike Ride in June – an eight-day journey from Juno Beach to Vimy Ridge in France – and is hoping to raise $10,000 along the way.

“These men and women are the true heroes and role models as they put their lives on the line for missions at home and around the globe,” said Duncan, who is hoping to stay atop the World Cup rankings following Saturday’s ski cross World Cup race in Kreischberg, Austria. “If I were not a competing athlete I would most likely be an active service member, hopefully flying search and rescue helicopters. I hope to help Wounded Warrior Canada raise awareness of the difficulties many of our soldiers live with and raise money for the programs to help them.

“It will be an honour to ride with active and retired military members and remember those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for the freedoms we enjoy today.”

Duncan, a veteran of the sport of ski cross who was one of the original members of the Canada Ski Cross team formed in 2007, is in the midst of a career year. He ended a five-year wait for his first World Cup win when he claimed victory in Innichen-San Candido, Italy, in December and 24 hours later he won the second of two back-to-back races to shoot to the top of the men’s ski cross World Cup rankings. He’s a virtual lock to be one of nominees for the Canadian ski cross team for Sochi, with the full official roster set to be announced on Monday.

Duncan has always had a passion for the military and will be kick-starting his fundraising campaign for Wounded Warriors by donating any prize money he receives from competing in the World Cup finals in La Plagne, France, later this year, to a cause that’s close to his heart.

“A lot of athletes help with sports for kids but I have a fondness for the military,” Duncan said. “Remembering the significant battles of World War One and World War Two is very important. It’s very easy for someone like myself or someone younger to totally forget about those wars as we have never experienced anything like them. We wouldn’t be where we are today without those people who made the ultimate sacrifices.

“My brother-in-law is an active serviceman who has completed two tours of Afghanistan with the Canadian Armed Forces. Joining the (Forces) is an option I intend to explore but I’m not looking past my ski career just yet.

“Wearing the Maple Leaf and representing Canada gives me tremendous pride. I’ve been lucky enough to be able to do that with ski cross and to potentially be able to do it at the Olympic Games in Sochi, with the whole world watching, will be extra special.”

Duncan is hoping a company or individual will come forward and match any donation he gives from his race winnings in La Plagne. He’s also looking to recruit team members for his bike ride.

“I want to put together a team of people to go over with me,” Duncan said. “Not only will participants be experiencing a once-in-a-lifetime experience but they will also be raising much needed awareness and funds for those who have returned home, suffering with the mental scars of war.”

Duncan’s fundraising page can be found here.

“We are very proud to welcome Dave Duncan to the Wounded Warriors Canada team,” said Scott Maxwell, Executive Director of Wounded Warriors Canada. “Dave is a true leader and a pioneer of Canadian ski cross. His dedication to health and wellness makes Dave a perfect fit for our organization.

“As an ambassador of our Battlefield Bike Ride this June, Dave will be working with us across the country, advocating the benefits of fitness and exercise – and its relation to mental health. As a potential future member of the Canadian Olympic Ski Cross team in Sochi next month, we will proudly be cheering him on.”

For more information about the Wounded Warriors Canada Battlefield Ride 2014, please visit:https://woundedwarriors.ca/bikeride2014.