A Lake Country ski cross racer is working to raise enough money to help cover the costs of attending his final World Junior Championships in Italy.

Ned Ireland currently sits second in the overall Nor-Am SkiCross Circuit standings and was named the top junior racer in Canada, qualifying him for the World Junior Championships in Valmalenco, Italy.

Ned Ireland recently placed third at the Fernie Nor-Am (Photo Credit: Facebook)

“My goal there is to make it to finals and on to the podium,” says the 20-year-old. “I am very proud to be Canadian and am honoured to represent our great country at this event and strive to bring home a medal.”

Ireland has started a crowdfunding campaign in hopes of raising $7,500 which will cover his fees associated with the Canadian Development Team, pay for training camp and cover the costs of travel to Italy.

“I was fortunate enough to grow up living at Big White Ski Resort and attended school there until I was 14,” recalls Ireland on his Make a Champ fundraising page. “I basically skied every day and spent nights on the hockey rink with friends. I raced with the Big White Racers team all throughout my childhood and love it.”

Ned Ireland (Photo Credit: Facebook)

So far this season, Ireland has finished first at Ski Cooper Nor-Am, second at Ski Cooper Nor-Am, third at Fernie Nor-Am and was named to the Canadian Ski Cross Development Team after competing in the Nakiska World Cup.

To make a donation or to read more about Ireland’s career so far, visit his Make a Champ webpage here.