PRESQUE ISLE — With less than two months to go before the Nordic Heritage Center hosts International Biathlon Union (IBU) World Cup 8 at the world-class Nordic ski and biathlon venue in Presque Isle, organizers and Center officials are honoring three local organizations for their leading support of both.
At a holiday season gathering at NHC Dec. 21, World Cup and center volunteers came together to show appreciation for three partners: Pineland Farms, MMG Insurance and TAMC, each of which has committed to supporting the future of the facility and activity for youth and adults at the center in the months and years to come.
“During this season of giving, we could not be more pleased to recognize those who support the Nordic Heritage Center, and our partners in the effort to ensure this tremendous resource continues to be here for the people of the region to enjoy and the world’s top Nordic skiers and biathletes to compete,” said Paul Towle, NHC president.
“We are very fortunate to have the support of MMG Insurance, Pineland Farms and TAMC, as well as the Libra Foundation, and numerous other businesses and organizations that support the outstanding work of many volunteers who give of their time, talent and treasure,” said Towle. The upcoming 2016 event will mark the first large-scale event hosted in The County since the Nordic Heritage Center has operated independent of direct support from the Maine Winter Sports Center.
The operation and maintenance of the four-season sports facility, located just off the Fort Fairfield Road in Presque Isle, are supported in large part by the Libra Foundation. The center is now sustained by donations from several local partners, including those honored Dec. 21, as well as other contributions, club memberships and revenue generated by events, including those sanctioned by the International Biathlon Union.
IBU World Cup 8 will be the next to last in a series of nine stops on the 2015-2016 international circuit, and the only stop in the United States. Teams and visitors from the participating nations are expected to arrive in Aroostook County in early February and depart the region on February 15.
”These three outstanding partners will each be recognized for their sustaining support of this venue and the many community activities and events hosted here year-round when the World Cup comes to The County in just 50 days,” said Jane Towle, 2016 IBU Biathlon World Cup event director.
The support will not only keep the Nordic Heritage Center viable, but community programming, like the Youth Ski Program and others.
Jane Towle also updated those gathered about progress on the coming biathlon event, Feb. 11-14, when upwards of 300 of the world’s top male and female biathletes, ages 20 and over, from more than 32 countries are expected to be in Aroostook County. The biathletes will participate in six competitions at the NHC venue, both men’s and women’s divisions.
Recruitment of volunteers is among the major areas of focus as just weeks remain. The volunteer section of the event website is now open to take registrations. Interested individuals should visit http://biathlonmaine.com and click “volunteers” to register. Contact Volunteer Coordinator Nancy Fletcher at fletcheramauto@gmail.com for information about volunteering.
