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Championing David’s Path to Success — An Elite Kiwi Athlete’s Winter Games Dream!

  • Latest Update: Urgent Support Needed for Upcoming Championships!

      10 December 2025

    Thank you all for your generous support. Your kind messages and contributions have helped me stay committed to my training and continue striving toward my goals in competitive alpine skiing, including my pursuit of international success. With your encouragement, I have been able to dedicate myself to my training, while maintaining the focus and determination required as I prepare to compete at my best in the upcoming Virtus Open Alpine Ski Championships in Tarvisio, Italy, and Kitzbühel, Austria.

    Skiing is a sport that demands discipline, resilience, and precision, and each race requires strength and the confidence that comes from knowing I have a community standing behind me. My journey is far from over, and I now need your support more than ever as I work to secure my position at the Paralympic Winter Games in 2030, once the selection regulations are finalised, as they are currently being confirmed following the signing of a memorandum of understanding with Virtus International.

    Every contribution makes a meaningful difference. Additionally, it would be great if you could simply share my page, as your support helps me stay on the slopes, refine my skills, and pursue excellence on the international stage. If you know of any sponsors who may be able to provide support, I would be grateful if you could connect me with them at davidee@outlook.co.nz.

    Together, we can build the momentum needed to reach the Paralympic Winter Games in 2030.

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  • Latest Update: NZ Para Nationals and Upcoming Championships!

      5 December 2025

    Just an update that the NZ Para Nationals, where I was scheduled to compete in the Giant Slalom, was officially cancelled due to a lack of snow. As this was an FIS-regulated event, a minimum snow depth is required for competition, and unfortunately this condition has not been met.

    In light of this, I am now planning to compete at the upcoming Virtus Open Alpine Ski Championships in Tarvisio, Italy, on 30–31 January 2026, and at Kitzbühel, Austria, on 4–7 February 2026, where I will be the only athlete competing in Alpine Skiing under this classification. For further information on these events, please refer to the Virtus website: https://virtus.sport/eventsvs.

    Consequently, I urgently need to receive the full amount of $50,000.00 in order to compete at these two events. If I win a medal at an international level, I may then request to be considered for a fully fledged HPSNZ scholarship to represent New Zealand the following year. Thus, this will enable me to prepare for the official reintegration and inclusion to compete at the Paralympic Winter Games 2030 under this category. I am fully committed to my training and to keeping myself in peak physical condition to compete internationally at these two vital events.

    That said, without sufficient funding, it would be a significant loss of opportunity and investment, and I may be unable to compete due to potential strict selection regulations or eligibility criteria. However, if I'm unable to attend these events money raised will enable me to compete at the following NZ Para Nationals.

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  • Latest Update: NZ Para Nationals and Appreciation of All Your Support So Far!

      27 August 2025
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    As I prepare to represent New Zealand on the international stage as a Virtus para-athlete, every moment of training and every bit of support, including financial contributions, counts toward this journey of dedication and excellence.

    First and foremost, I sincerely thank everyone who has contributed so far, including Snow Centre Newmarket for sponsoring me with a subsidised discount and ski servicing, as well as my current sponsored hotel for invaluable accommodation support. Moreover, these contributions are instrumental in my development as an elite Virtus para-athlete.

    Notably, the NZ Para Nationals, for which I would like to compete, were initially scheduled for August but were postponed twice due to the fact that the event requirements must be complied with and upheld under the relevant regulations, as the event is sanctioned by FIS (International Ski and Snowboard Federation). Nonetheless, I had to recently travel to Queenstown to continue intensive ski training, maximising every moment despite setbacks and limited preparation.

    Furthermore, my focus is now on representing New Zealand at the Virtus International Tournament in Austria, alongside other competitions across Europe during their winter, which is indeed our summer. Thus, with the relevant regulations uncertain in order to compete at the international level, rigorous preparation is essential to cover all contingencies, whilst ensuring I am fully ready should a regulation be implemented.

    Consequently, training in the South Island allows me to fully utilise the winter season at ski resorts while enjoying the natural beauty. If the NZ Para Nationals go ahead, I would like to return to compete. That said, securing accommodation is complex due to the presence of international travellers and the high cost of living, which further impacts Kiwi athletes, including myself. Moreover, the FIS and Virtus memorandum highlights the vital importance of inclusion in winter sports: https://www.fis-ski.com/inside-fis/news/2024-25/fis-and-virtus-sign-landmark-memorandum-of-understanding-to-advance-inclusion-in-winter-sports.

    Attached is a letter of support for your kind consideration for any future sponsors or funders.

    In light of the above, given limited sponsorship, financial support is crucial. Any donation, no matter the amount, makes a significant difference, and introductions to potential funders are warmly welcomed.

    Lastly, your support enables me to continue training, competing, and representing New Zealand at the highest level.

    Thanks once again for your support.

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  • Latest Update: NZ Para Nationals and Ongoing Intensive Ski Training Regime!

      13 August 2025

    Due to the lack of snow, the NZ Para Nationals Championships for the Giant Slalom, which I am scheduled to participate in, has been rescheduled to Monday, 25th August. Notably, with limited financial support, I am still determining whether I can return to Queenstown to participate, as training and accommodation costs place a significant strain on my budget, given that it has been rescheduled twice.

    As an athlete who has transitioned from Special Olympics NZ to Virtus International under Paralympics NZ, it is vital for me to source my own sponsorship, as no other funders, including the Lions Club, Rotary Club, or Lions Foundation, can assist at this late stage. Furthermore, the Lions Foundation only supports registered not-for-profit organisations, and I have been awaiting corporate responses without success.

    Consequently, I am allocating a substantial portion of my sponsorship funding and remain keen to minimise costs. Thus, your support would maximise every opportunity, including the potential to secure HPSNZ sponsorship upon returning with a medal from the Virtus International Games, and continue honing my skills.

    Overall, your support would not only allow me to compete at my best but also enable me to attend these important events, which are invaluable in preparing for representing New Zealand internationally.

    Finally, I am genuinely appreciative of the support already provided, which has been instrumental in enabling my training and participation thus far.

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  • Urgent Financial Support Required to Attend the NZ Open Para National Champs and for my Intensive Ski Training Regime!

      30 July 2025

    In light of my upcoming competition season, I am urgently seeking to raise at least $20,000 to support my continued high-performance ski training in Queenstown. Besides, this financial support is vital for me to enable access to world-class coaching and varied resort terrains, both of which are crucial for my development and preparation ahead of the Virtus International Games early next year. Henceforth, this opportunity is not only vital for my athletic progression but also instrumental in strengthening my standing as a potential HPSNZ-supported elite athlete.

    Notably, I have been selected to compete at the New Zealand Open Para National Champs at Cardrona from Wednesday 6th August to Friday 15th August. In order to be adequately prepared, where I need to travel out of Auckland soon for it. Here is the link for more info on it: https://www.snowsports.co.nz/events/2025-events-calendar-and-registration/cardrona-wanaka-fis-tech-njc-2/.

    Hence, this competition will provide me with valuable experience on home ground and help solidify my readiness for international representation. Therefore, your support at this critical moment would empower me to compete with confidence and excellence.

    Consequently, I am seeking financial support to cover three to four weeks of accommodation and travel. I must confirm my travel plans with urgency to ensure my participation.

    Thank - you for your generosity in supporting me as I pursue my pathway as an elite athlete.

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