TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - Jan 20, 2014) - BCU Foundation, a member-supported charitable institution initiated by Canada's largest Ukrainian-Canadian financial institution, Buduchnist Credit Union (BCU), congratulates Canadian alpine skier, Larisa Yurkiw, on earning a spot in the upcoming Winter Olympic Games.

Yurkiw qualified for the Sochi games this past week in Austria, with a career-best performance, placing sixth in the women's World Cup downhill.

Last year, despite being the reigning Canadian women's downhill champion and the only full-time Canadian downhill and Super G racer on the World Cup circuit, 25 year-old Larisa Yurkiw, was dropped by the Canadian Alpine Ski Team.

Abandoned by the national squad, Larisa was forced to fund her own training and coaching independently.

Last summer, BCU Foundation, was the first Canadian institution to offer sponsorship support to help Larisa realize her dream of competing in the 2014 Winter Olympics.

"We were very impressed with Larisa's commitment, drive and determination. She is a shining example of what can be achieved when you have a dream backed by discipline and passion," said Bob Leshchyshen, Chair of BCU Foundation.

Larisa Yurkiw will compete for Canada in the Super G and Super Combined, plus downhill, February 9th, 12th and 15th at the Olympics in Sochi.