2023 - 2024 LEGISLATURE
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2023 SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION 3
January 12, 2023 - Introduced by Senators QUINN and TOMCZYK, cosponsored by
Representatives EDMING and GREEN. Referred to Committee on Senate
Organization.
1 Relating to: proclaiming February 20 to 26, 2023, as American Birkebeiner Week
2 in Wisconsin.
3 Whereas, the American Birkebeiner, North America's largest cross-country ski
4 race, was first held in 1973 and is held between Cable and Hayward, Wisconsin, each
5 year where it contributes significantly to the economy in Sawyer and Bayfield
6 Counties; and
7 Whereas, over 13,500 cross-country skiers and an estimated 35,000 spectators
8 gather each February to celebrate and participate in the American Birkebeiner Ski
9 Foundation's annual Birkie Week of cross-country skiing festivities, which includes
10 events for all ages and abilities; and
11 Whereas, over 350,000 skiers have participated in American Birkebeiner Ski
12 Foundation races since 1973; and
13 Whereas, the American Birkebeiner is a uniquely American tradition and the
14 sole cross-country ski race representing the United States of America within the
15 Worldloppet Ski Federation; and
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1 Whereas, the over 100-kilometer American Birkebeiner recreational trail was
2 ranked the number one cross-country ski destination in the United States in 2016.
3 This recreational corridor is utilized by an estimated 100,000 visitors annually and
4 draws tourists to the northwestern Wisconsin region; and
5 Whereas, Hayward and the surrounding rural communities will host
6 participants from at least 18 countries, 49 states, and the District of Columbia (in
7 2023) to join in Birkie Week festivities; and
8 Whereas, 2,500 volunteers from all points north, south, east, and west
9 volunteer at Birkie Week events in support of the 13,500 competitors; and
10 Whereas, the American Birkebeiner is celebrating its 49th year in 2023; and
11 Whereas, the mission of the American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation, a 501 (c) (3)
12 nonprofit organization, is to conduct the finest international cross-country ski
13 competitions, to serve as good stewards of the American Birkebeiner trail system,
14 and to support a healthy and active lifestyle among people of all ages and abilities;
15 now, therefore, be it
16 Resolved by the senate, the assembly concurring, That the legislature, in
17 recognition of the importance of the American Birkebeiner and its contribution to the
18 state of Wisconsin and its citizens, does hereby proclaim February 20 to 26, 2023, to
19 be American Birkebeiner Week in Wisconsin; and, be it further
20 Resolved, That the senate chief clerk shall provide a copy of this resolution to
21 the American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation.
22 (END)