DOVER- It’s “New Zealand or bust” for a local freestyle skier. Devin Logan, of West Dover, was selected by United States Ski and Snowboarding Association coaches to compete in the junior world freestyle slopestyle and halfpipe championships in Cardrona, New Zealand, this summer. Logan is one of the country’s top female freeskiers and coaches and friends alike think she may medal in the freeski halfpipe and slopestyle. Logan is eager to compete against the world’s best. But in order to get to New Zealand, she needs to raise money. With time running out, any support from the community is gratefully accepted.

Logan, a Twin Valley High School senior, has skied slopestyle since she was 6 years old. Her brothers, Sean and Chris Logan, are also up-and-coming freeskiers and inspired her to try the sport. She gave it a try and enjoyed it. As a youngster, Logan attended Mount Snow weekend programs. She has attended the Mount Snow Ski Academy for the last five years, competed in the nation’s top junior freeski competitions, and her coaches Michael Decker, Matt Iovanni, and Jesse Mallis have worked with Logan over the years. In 2010, Logan’s hard work finally paid off.

She finished third in the women’s freeski halfpipe and slopestyle at the Aspen Open; won the halfpipe and earned a third-place finish in slopestyle at the USSA Junior Olympics at Waterville Valley, NH; won the halfpipe and finished second in slopestyle at the Mount Snow Open; and competed in the Orage Masters, an invitation-only freeski team competition held at Whistler, British Columbia. At the end of the season, she earned sponsorships from Armada Skis, a freestyle ski manufacturer, and Electric Visuals, a popular sunglass and snow goggle company.

“I’ve coached (Devin) since she was 9 and she tries harder than any female I know in the sport. She can keep up with the guys and that what’s make Devin, Devin,” laughed her former coach Decker. “(Devin’s) still only 16 and she has progressed ever since the day she started. She’s always been on top of the female division. She’s motivated to stay on top and she doesn’t like losing. That gives her a competitive edge.”

The junior world freestyle championships take place August 15 to 30 and Logan needs to raise $5,000 in time for the big competition. Devin’s mother, Nancy Logan, is selling special candle packages from the Wilmington Candle Company. Money from the candles will support Logan’s travel costs. Devin’s sister, Nicki Logan, has set up a Facebook page and website called www.skidevinski.com and people are encouraged to donate money.

Devin Logan said she is still shy of her goal and is now willing to work odd jobs to earn the necessary funds.

“I could babysit, clean, do yard work, etc.,” said Logan.

For more information contact Devin Logan at (516) 639-6570.