Funding Athletes

From Disability Scoop:
"GoFundMe Looks To Help Athletes With Disabilities"

As thousands of athletes with disabilities from around the world prepare to converge upon the Special Olympics, they’re getting some help to make their way. GoFundMe has partnered with Special Olympics to highlight the stories of hundreds of athletes set to compete in the World Winter Games in Austria next month. Nearly 500 campaigns on the crowdfunding platform developed by teams and coaches as well as Olympians and other influencers are designed to showcase the athletes while also helping them foot the bill for travel, coaching, equipment and other expenses.  The first-of-its-kind social media fundraising push for the organization comes just weeks ahead of the Special Olympics World Winter Games, which are set to kick off March 14. Approximately 2,700 athletes and 1,000 coaches are expected from 107 countries for the nearly two-week event featuring competition in nine different sports ranging from floorball to figure skating and snowshoeing. The opening ceremony will include performances by Jason Mraz and “America’s Got Talent” winner Grace VanderWaal, organizers said. ABC will broadcast the opening ceremony on March 18 live with additional coverage of the competition on ESPN2, ABC and ESPN’s website and app.

^ The Summer and Winter Olympic athletes get lots of sponsors and money thrown at them. The Summer and Winter Special Olympics athletes aren't given mch attention, sponsors or money and so many can not participate. I am glad that GoFundMe is working with the Special Olympics to help bring awareness and funding to these athletes. They deserve the same chance to compete as anyone else. ^

https://www.disabilityscoop.com/2017/02/21/gofundme-athletes-disabilities/23356/