USA BOBSLED/SKELETON WELCOMES RAISING CANES AS PREMIER PARTNER

LAKE PLACID, NY (Oct 22, 2024) - USA Bobsled/Skeleton (USABS) is excited to announce a sponsorship with Raising Cane’s as a Premier Partner. This collaboration marks a significant milestone for USABS, which, unlike most nations, depends entirely on non-government funding to support USA athletes. It also represents a historic moment, as USABS is the first National Governing Body (NGB) to partner directly with Raising Cane’s.

“USA Bobsled/Skeleton is thrilled to partner with Raising Cane's,” stated Aron McGuire, CEO of USABS. “Their support will be essential as we gear up for the upcoming season and support the USA team leading into 2026.” 

The connection between the popular Chicken Finger restaurants and a winter sports organization might not seem evident at first. However, a deeper look reveals interesting similarities.

One key connection is the idea of talent transfer. Most athletes in bobsled and skeleton start their journeys later in life, often transitioning from sports like football, track and field, or soccer in their late teens or early twenties. They bring with them explosive power and athleticism developed over years, which they adapt to the ice. Driven by a dream that often feels elusive, they dedicate themselves to rigorous training in pursuit of excellence.

Similarly, Todd Graves, the founder of Raising Cane’s, had an unconventional path to building his successful business. His original concept for a restaurant focused solely on Chicken Fingers received the lowest grade from his college professor, who dismissed it as unrealistic. Facing challenges in securing loans, Todd refused to let a “no” from banks deter him. He worked at an oil refinery, enduring 90-hour work weeks to save money to fund his dream. When he learned about the potential profitability of commercial fishing, he seized the opportunity, traveling to Alaska and camping in the tundra for over a month before landing a job that demanded 20-hour workdays on treacherous seas. Ultimately, his perseverance paid off, enabling him to open the first Raising Cane’s in Louisiana in August 1996. Just like the athletes of USA Bobsled/Skeleton, Todd's willingness to take risks and pursue excellence despite obstacles made the eventual success taste that much better.

Both USABS and Raising Cane’s take pride in their American roots and the positive influence they have on their communities. Raising Cane’s supports over 30,000 local organizations for causes that resonate with their values. USA Bobsled/Skeleton is honored to partner with Raising Cane’s and become one of the causes they hold dear.

Kaillie Humphries, USA Bobsled pilot who worked with Raising Cane's leading up to the 2022 Winter Games, shared, “Raising Cane's is unbelievably delicious! I am so excited for them to partner with the team and know their support will be hugely instrumental heading into the 2026 Games. Joining forces with a company that believes in USA athletes means everything”.

This partnership highlights the power of innovative collaborations and how shared commitments to hard work and excellence can achieve unexpected partnerships. Raising Cane’s involvement will significantly support USABS's efforts during the 2024/2025 sliding season, especially at the 2025 IBSF World Championships taking place in Lake Placid, NY in March, and as the organization continues its pursuit of excellence towards 2026. 

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About Raising Cane’s

Raising Cane’s is one of the fastest-growing Restaurant brands, with 800+ Restaurants in 40+ states, and plans to open more than 100 new Restaurants across several new markets in 2024. The company recently announced plans to be one of the top 10 Restaurant brands in the United States and is known for its ONE LOVE® – craveable Chicken Finger meals – which includes the iconic “Cane’s Sauce” – named the #1 most craveable sauce in the Restaurant industry and most craveable chicken. For more information, visit raisingcanes.com.   

About USA Bobsled/Skeleton

USA Bobsled/Skeleton is the national governing body for the sports of bobsled and skeleton racing in the United States. Based in Lake Placid, NY, USA Bobsled/Skeleton oversees the development and training of American athletes at all levels of competition.