IV 

115TH CONGRESS 

1ST SESSION H. RES. 139 

Expressing support for the designation of the week beginning on February 

19, 2017, as ‘‘American Birkebeiner Week’’. 

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 

FEBRUARY 16, 2017 

Mr. DUFFY submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the 

Committee on Energy and Commerce 

RESOLUTION 

Expressing support for the designation of the week beginning 

on February 19, 2017, as ‘‘American Birkebeiner Week’’. 

Whereas the American Birkebeiner, held in Hayward, Wisconsin, is North America’s largest cross-country ski race 

and contributes to the estimated $26,000,000 in revenue 

generated in Sawyer and Bayfield counties in Wisconsin 

each year; 

Whereas over 13,000 cross-country skiers and tens of thousands of spectators gather in Hayward each February to 

celebrate and participate in the American Birkebeiner Ski 

Foundation’s annual week of cross-country skiing festivities, which includes events for all ages and abilities; 

Whereas the American Birkebeiner is a uniquely American 

tradition and is the sole cross-country ski-race repVerDate Sep 11 2014 02:52 Feb 17, 2017 Jkt 069200 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 6652 Sfmt 6300 E:\BILLS\HR139.IH HR139

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•HRES 139 IH 

resenting the North American continent within the global 

Worldloppet International Sports Federation; 

Whereas over 250,000 skiers have participated in American 

Birkebeiner Ski Foundation races since 1973; 

Whereas the 100+ kilometer American Birkebeiner recreational trail was ranked among the best cross-country 

ski destinations in the United States in 2016, is utilized 

by an estimated 100,000 visitors each year, and draws 

tourists to Northwest Wisconsin; 

Whereas the American Birkebeiner is celebrating its 44th 

year and the recent opening of the Tony Wise Museum 

of the American Birkebeiner, which commemorates the 

race’s origins and legacy; 

Whereas the 2017 American Birkebeiner cross-country ski 

race will be celebrating a momentous milestone with the 

inaugural use of the new American Birkebeiner Trailhead 

permanent start area; 

Whereas past and current members of the United States ski 

team will be gathering in reunion at the 2017 American 

Birkebeiner, many of whom have represented the United 

States at the highest level of international competition including the past 15 Olympic Games; 

Whereas the mission of the American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation, a nonprofit organization, is to conduct the finest 

international cross-country ski competitions, to serve as 

good stewards of the American Birkebeiner Trail system, 

and to support a healthy and active lifestyle; 

Whereas the Governor of the State of Wisconsin, Scott Walker, has proclaimed February 19, 2017, through February 

26, 2017, as American Birkebeiner Week throughout the 

State of Wisconsin; and 


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•HRES 139 IH 

Whereas the week beginning on February 19, 2017, in which 

the American Birkebeiner is held, would be an appropriate week to designate as ‘‘American Birkebeiner 

Week’’: Now, therefore, be it 

1 Resolved, That the House of Representatives— 

2 (1) supports the designation of ‘‘American 

3 Birkebeiner Week’’; 

4 (2) encourages citizens to get outdoors and em5 brace a healthy, active lifestyle by participating in 

6 Nordic sports or other activities; 

7 (3) recognizes the importance of the American 

8 Birkebeiner to the economy of Northwest Wisconsin; 

9 and 

10 (4) requests that the President issue a procla11 mation recognizing the importance of the American 

12 Birkebeiner to our Nation. 

Æ 


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