U.S. Figure Skating, the national governing figure skating body, has started accepting donations in a slew of cryptocurrencies, including meme coins Dogecoin and Shiba Inu, after partnering with third-party vendor Engiven.
Executive Director Ramsey Baker claims that cryptocurrencies represent an innovative way of donating funds, adding that the new option will allow athletes and programs to secure more financial support:
We continue to look for new and innovative ways to provide funding to the U.S. Figure Skating athletes, clubs, programs and initiatives.
Engiven automatically converts all donated funds to the U.S. Dollar in order not to deal with volatility.
Founded all the way back in 1921, the nonprofit organization is responsible for regulating standards for skating proficiency in the States. It also picks the athletes and officials who represent Team USA at various international competitions, including the in-progress Olympic Games.
Alex DovbnyaU.S. Figure Skating mainly derives its revenue from dues and admission fees as well as licensing fees.
Earlier today, U.S. figure skater Nathan Chen set a world record with his outstanding short program, which puts him awfully close to winning gold at the 2022 Winter Olympics. Prior to that, Team USA secured a silver medal in the team event behind ROC, the team from Russia.
The U.S. has so far won 51 medals in figure skating, including 15 gold medals, which is more than any other country.
Even though crypto has already become mainstream, U.S. Figure Skating is the only sports governing body that accepts cryptocurrency donations so far. It announced its plan to embrace crypto in November.
Arman Shirinyan
Vladislav Sopov
Dan Burgin