Elite Skier Matthew Liebsch of Orono, MN will represent TEAM STRONG HEART® in pursuit of the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia.

Liebsch is a 28-year-old elite level cross country skier bidding for a spot on the 2014 US Olympic Ski Team. He began skiing at age 16 and is a three-time Vasaloppet USA Champion in 2009, 2010, 2011, American Birkebiner Champion in 2009, World Cup Athlete, and was recently honored as Outside Magazine’s “Real Fittest Athlete 2011”. "I am excited to announce I will be representing TEAM STRONG HEART® as I compete and race towards the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia," said Liebsch, "TEAM STRONG HEART® will help me pursue my Olympic dream and together we will raise awareness and support for Camp Odayin; a camp for children with heart disease." "We are thrilled to help support Matthew’s tremendous journey to the 2014 Olympics as well as his desire to share our mission as the newest member of TEAM STRONG HEART®," said Bernie Kaeferlein, President of SILENT SPORTS FOUNDATION®. Liebsch will host a TEAM STRONG HEART® fundraising event on Oct. 30, 2011 from 3pm-4:30pm, at Elm Creek Park Reserve in Maple Grove, MN.

Matt Liebsch and his headgear sponsor SILENT SPORTS FOUNDATION (a non-profit 501(c)(3) tax-deductible charity organization) would like to acknowledge the tremendous support from Matt's friends, families, employer, and corporate sponsors including GEAR WEST, FISCHER, SWIX, FIX STUDIO, CASCO, and TEAM BIRKIE. Matt is hopeful that more supporters will help him through the mission of SILENT SPORTS FOUNDATION and share his tremendous journey to the 2014 Winter Olympics while raising awareness and support for CAMP ODAYIN, a camp for children with heart disease.

SILENT SPORTS FOUNDATION® (SSF) is a non-profit 501(C)(3) charity organization founded in 2007 to support "silent" sports that are not typically endorsed or funded by major corporations or private foundations. SSF supports TEAM STRONG HEART® which was developed to tap the enormous energy and passion of athletes for charitable causes. Through the generous donations of time, talent, and funding, TEAM STRONG HEART® has focused its efforts on raising awareness and donations for Camp Odayin, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, and various other organizations through athletic endeavors including the Race Across America, POLE PEDAL PANT® winter triathlon, and more. For more information, please visit www.teamstrongheart.org.