COLORADO SPRINGS, Colorado (AFP) - US television comedian Stephen Colbert has launched a fundraising campaign to help US Speedskating two weeks after its major Dutch sponsor declared bankruptcy.

Barely three months ahead of the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics, the sport governing body made an unprecedented move in joining forces with the host of Comedy Central's "The Colbert Report" to solicit donations to help athletes.

"We must ensure that it is America's 38-inch thighs on that medal platform," Colbert said.

DSB Bank had been a major backer of US Speedskating but the Dutch firm went bankrupt on October 19 and suddenly a country that has produced 75 Olympic medals - more than any other US winter Olympic sport - was in trouble.

"Having lost our major commercial cash sponsor due to their insolvency, 'The Colbert Nation' provides a terrific platform for US Speedskating to prepare for the Olympic Games," US Speedskating president Brad Goskowicz said.

Colbert filmed his popular show in Iraq for a week in June before an audience of US soldiers.