Kiwi Skier Races Clock for $15K to Compete in France

David Ee has less than 48 hours to raise $15,000 so he can represent New Zealand at an international alpine skiing competition in France next month.

The elite para-athlete needs the funding by 3pm on Friday, February 20th, to cover travel, accommodation, coaching, and physiotherapy for the Virtus-sanctioned competition in Gourette from March 17-21. Without it, his international competition pathway faces a critical setback.

David's skiing journey began with Special Olympics New Zealand, where he earned double gold medals at the 2007 and 2011 National Winter Games. In 2013, he represented New Zealand at the Special Olympics World Winter Games in PyeongChang, bringing home bronze in slalom and finishing in the top 10 in two other events.

Now competing under Virtus International, the global governing body for elite athletes with intellectual impairments, David has been officially endorsed by Paralympics New Zealand. He's currently the only athlete in his classification preparing for the upcoming Virtus Open Alpine Ski Championships.

His fundraising campaign on Givealittle has raised $4,064 from 38 donors over seven months, but the recent competition in France represents an unexpected opportunity. Missing this event would force David to wait until 2027 for his next international competition, interrupting his progress toward recognition and support from High Performance Sport New Zealand.

Recent donors have rallied behind him with contributions ranging from $10 to $1,000. One supporter wrote, "You are special, David. Thank you for representing New Zealand." Another called him "an inspiration."

Why This Inspires

David's determination shows what's possible when athletes refuse to let circumstances define their limits. Beyond his medals, he's volunteered at major events including the 2010 Youth Olympic Games and served on the 60th Committee for The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award in New Zealand.

His commitment to representing Aotearoa on the world stage, even while seeking his own funding, demonstrates the resilience of para-athletes who often face financial barriers their able-bodied counterparts don't encounter. For David, offering to display sponsor logos on his gear isn't just about money; it's about building partnerships that recognize the value athletes with intellectual impairments bring to competitive sports.

The clock is ticking, but New Zealand has a chance to send one of its own to France with pride.

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