Where can I find a sponor for my amateur figure skating career?

Question

I am a highly ranked figure skater. I have placed in the top five at the national level in juniors and have medaled at international assignments. I have been skating for 12 years and have a few years of eligibility left to compete in juniors. My skating was previously funded 100% by my father. He is upset with my mother for not having paid for any of it (they are divorced). So out of the blue he is saying that he will pay for none of my skating. My mother cannot afford to pay for all of the skating expenses.

So what I am wondering is does anyone have any idea where I could propose people to sponsor me? Even if I can get a few small sponsors. Skating costs a huge amount of money. I would estimate skating costs approximately $50,000 a year, probably even more. If anyone has any suggestions of companies or people I could contact that would be so greatly appreciated. From the bottom of my heart have a great day.

Answer 1

If you're competing at some international events (like the JGP), they do give some money to the first few places which is o some help.

Talk to your federation about your problem, the USFSA has a skating fund apparently in the honor of the 1961 team. It's not like your federation is completely poor (and even in many small federations, the government can give scholarships to the best skaters).

Like others have said, look around in companies in your area or even in people with government places. Look up in info for government issued scholarships to athletes if you can. Some of the better off FS clubs give some money to skaters.

There's many skaters that open their freelance donations site like the Munanas: http://www.lukeandlaura.com where visitors donate. You could try to set up something similar.

Congrats on getting a high place finish in your nats.

Answer 2

Have you read this from the USFSA site?

Sponsorships

http://www.usfigureskating.org/Athletes....

There's also a PDF you can download:

SPONSORSHIP INFORMATION AND SUGGESTIONS FOR. FIGURE SKATING ATHLETES

http://www.usfigureskating.org/content/s...

It doesn't have to be a big company - it can be the people you already know (or your parents know) who would have an interest in you and your skating - and be willing to help out financially.  My friend's husband works for a law firm - so they're making plans right now to ask his firm to "please" contribute to their daughter's skating (she figures a law firm should have the $$$!).

Also local companies would be good to ask first.  People like helping people from their communities!        

Hope that gives you some ideas on where/how to start!  Best of luck!!