This is the Moment.

New York Athletes and Spectators: given that our two International Sports Competitions are moving rapidly upon us, now is that critical moment in which we all must step up to the plate (...glide onto the ice, leap onto the field, fly into the court, dive into the pool...) and seek ways in which we can support the mission of Team New York (TNY); enabling all athletes from the New York area to be a part of the Team, and to proudly represent from the moment the flights land in Copenhagen (2009) and Cologne (2010).

The backbone of our organization is volunteers; and we are enjoying a burgeoning number of qualified and committed, energetic professionals who show themselves to be inspired and motivated to evolve and grow TNY into an exemplary, world-class collaboration of athletes.

Our two primary imperatives between now and the competitions are, first and foremost, to provide team uniforms for every, single athlete from this area and, following that, to build our scholarship fund such that any athlete who desires to compete has that opportunity. The answer to both these objectives is just one thing: money.

There are few experiences more inspirational than the entrance of the athletes to the stadium at Opening Ceremonies. The pride felt by each participant is incalculable; yet it is even more compelling when the athletes feel a part of something larger than themselves; visible, colorful, powerful...the Team. For those in the stadium, watching the Processional, the swelling of pride as one's team is recognized can elicit virtually involuntary gasps, followed by the exuberant cheers of seeing the team, standing out from the crowd and representing the strength and pride that exudes from This Great City.

In the week between Ceremonies, as athletes move through the city, from competition to competition or simply exploring, the sight of team uniforms as they become increasingly adorned with medals just fuels the excitement and pride in oneself, one's team, one's worldwide community. There is no discounting the effect of having and wearing one's team uniform; and we want to provide that for every member of Team New York.

So, please consider helping us. And, after you've considered, do it!

Okay, it's Tax Time; a time of year when so many of us have the opportunity to write checks to our government. As we embrace this opportunity, why not focus that momentum and write just one more check; to Team New York?! Afterall, it is tax-deductible.

Every dollar makes a difference; ten, twenty, a hundred, half of your tax refund (hey, it doesn't hurt to ask!)? Skip a dinner out, and send TNY what you would have spent; donate ten or twenty bucks a month to Team New York. Seriously, what is that in cocktails, these days: three? What's a movie: ten bucks? Skip two movies a month (they'll be on HBO soon, anyway), and read a book, instead - or make love to your partner in the name of Team New York.

So many ways to make small contributions to our mission; and the power of the multiplied, small contribution is of exponential magnitude. Think creatively, give what you can afford, any amount helps and they all help build a team and team presence that will be part of the two, stellar experiences in our collective futures.

To donate, go to:

http://www.teamnewyork.org/tny_donate.html