Name change for this.
An acquaintance of mine is taking part in a major sporting event this year. I'm not saying which one because it's outing. Travel fees and accommodation to the event is paid by organisers but participants have to fund their own equipment. AIBU in thinking it's cheeky to ask for crowdfunding for something like this? They are looking for roughly £1,500.
I feel that if you want to participate in these things you should be able to afford them before you sign up, not be asking people for money after the fact. They are employed in a good job so it's not like they're on the poverty line, and with all other event costs being paid, surely you could rustle up £1000 yourself between savings, etc, or have started a savings account beforehand with this in mind.
IMO, crowdfunding should be used by people who actually need the money - for a major operation or something else that would vastly improve the quality of your life.
I'm not bashing sporting events, or those that participate, I know huge training and sacrifice is involved but it's very much a want not a need to participate.