Destination Vancouver offers opportunity to become "Partners In Training"

Colorado Springs, Colo. (October 20, 2009) - U.S. Figure Skating is rolling out a second phase of the Destination Vancouver campaign with a public fundraising initiative inviting fans, sponsors, friends and supporters to become "Partners in Training." With a gift of $20.10 a month (total gift of $100.50) through February, you may become a "Partner in Training."

The "Partners in Training" program kicked off Oct. 1 and provides financial support to help offset the expense of increased ice time, coaching, choreographers, wardrobe, equipment and travel for those figure skaters who will represent the United States at the 2010 Olympic Winter Games in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, Feb. 12-28.

"Our goal is for our athletes to be able to focus on training and representing the United States to the best of their ability instead of worrying about how to cover the expense of preparing to participate," said David Raith, executive director of U.S. Figure Skating.

Participants in the "Partners in Training" program receive exclusive VIP access and benefits not available to the public while supporting U.S. Figure Skating athletes as they prepare for competition in Vancouver.

For more information on becoming a "Partner in Training," visit www.usfigureskating.org or contact U.S. Figure Skating at 719.635.5200.

Destination Vancouver, a comprehensive marketing campaign to engage fans, sponsors and supporters of the sport of figure skating leading into the 2010 Olympic Games in Vancouver, launched Sept. 2, 2009.

- About U.S. Figure Skating -

U.S. Figure Skating is the national governing body for the sport of figure skating in the United States as recognized by the United States Olympic Committee and the International Skating Union. U.S. Figure Skating is comprised of more than 700 member clubs, collegiate clubs, and school-affiliated clubs and more than 900 registered Basic Skills skating schools representing approximately 170,000 members. U.S. Figure Skating is charged with the development of the sport on all levels within the United States including athletes, officials