(Note: this is a special announcement from USA Luge. You will receive your regular e-newsletter shortly)

The luge track in the mountains above Torino, Italy

Just the sound of that makes the mouth water and the stomach rumble. Delectable food in intimate trattorias...robust red wine...the sweetest pasticcherias....the warmest of people.

This experience could be yours for just $20.11. What a holiday present! And inexpensive too.

For this price, think about a visit to Torino, site of the 2006 Winter Olympics. Then combine this with a chance to see a World Championship luge event, and you have an unbeatable combination. The icing on the cake is that you’ll be providing USA Luge with much-needed help.

On Saturday, January 29th, the 42nd FIL Luge World Championships will kick off, with the USA’s Erin Hamlin defending her title against the best in the world.  She will represent the United States against the best athletes from Germany, Austria, Italy, Canada, Latvia, Russia, Japan and the entire luge world.
 

 
Help support athletes like Erin

How does a young kid like Erin become a World Champion? Hard work and support from family and friends are critical. So is support from USA Luge.

What does USA Luge provide to athletes? Unlike most sports, USA Luge has the responsibility of finding young kids to participate and become active in the sport. Imagine if Major League Baseball had to recruit, develop, train and support baseball players from age 11?  That is exactly what USA Luge does.

The organization funds National and Junior National Team athletes traveling on the road for months and months during the winter season.  The teams need coaches, managers, equipment, food, lodging and transportation.  Before, during and after the trip, a small team of administrators and marketing staff support the team’s efforts.
 

 
The next Erin could be in this group of young luge athletes

The job of developing the next generation of luge athletes falls on the shoulders of the coaching staff in Park City, Utah and Lake Placid, New York. Once the coaches have traveled regionally and nationally looking for young talent on city streets using wheeled sleds, the most promising 11-14 year-olds are invited to try the sport on ice. After further screening, the cream of the crop are placed on the Junior Development Team and begin to receive coaching, equipment and support from USA Luge.

So, who supports these efforts? The answer is not the U.S. government. USA Luge receives no financial support from the government, unlike almost every team we race against.

The answer is Americans. American individuals and corporations support young American athletes in their quest to be their best. Without this support, our organization’s ability to operate is severely impacted. In fact, USA Luge has been hurt by the loss of two major sponsors this year. We need your help.

Here’s a great way to support the team and possibly be there when Erin Hamlin launches her sled down the track to defend her World Champion title on January 29th. USA Luge, in conjunction with Ludus Tours, is holding a sweepstakes to win a trip to watch Erin and the entire U.S. team race.

The winner will receive airfare, a rental car, lodging, a USA Luge goodie bag and more.  The race will take place on the 2006 Olympic track in the beautiful Italian Alps. You can enjoy the city of Torino with the beautiful Piedmont region wineries a short drive away.

As stated above, the cost per entry is $20.11 (2011 World Championships!). All proceeds go to support USA Luge. Only 750 tickets will be sold and the drawing will take place on December 20th.  Click here for your chance to win the trip of a lifetime and support athletes like Erin.

It’s the best of all worlds: a world-class vacation, with World Championship luge built in, all benefitting our national teams. You’ll talk about it forever.

Gracie amici e buone feste (Thank you friends, and happy holidays)