Title: Expressing support for the designation of the week beginning on February 19, 2017, as "American Birkebeiner Week".
Policy area: Sports and Recreation

Summary:
Expresses support for the designation of American Birkebeiner Week. The American Birkebeiner is North America's largest cross-country ski race.
Recognizes the importance of such race to the economy of northwest Wisconsin.

[Congressional Bills 115th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 139 Introduced in House (IH)]

<DOC>






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 representing 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
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
    Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
            (1) supports the designation of ``American Birkebeiner 
        Week'';
            (2) encourages citizens to get outdoors and embrace a 
        healthy, active lifestyle by participating in Nordic sports or 
        other activities;
            (3) recognizes the importance of the American Birkebeiner 
        to the economy of Northwest Wisconsin; and
            (4) requests that the President issue a proclamation 
        recognizing the importance of the American Birkebeiner to our 
        Nation.
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