Photo courtesy of Tim and Cheri Doak/SouthShoreImages.com
PUTTING THE FINISHING TOUCHES on the Nordic HeritageSports Club biathlon stadium and range were an army of volunteers and seasoned staff Sunday in Presque Isle.
This week in Presque Isle …
By Dave Peterson
With great excitement and immense pride I offer a warm welcome to each an every one of you to the 2011 E. ON IBU World Cup Biathlon No. 7 at the Nordic Heritage Center in Presque Isle, Maine, USA.
In my capacity as Event Director it has been, and is, my pleasure to share in the efforts of hundreds of dedicated volunteers who have created a beautiful venue for this event and a schedule of activities that we expect to entertain our guests, challenge the biathletes, and satisfy our need and desire to showcase beautiful northern Maine to the Biathlon World.
It is our earnest goal to provide unforgettable experiences during the entire week of January 31 to February 7. We hope that our visitors will come to share the love that all of us involved in preparations and presentation of the Event have for this area and that they will be inspired to share the experience with others who may then choose to visit us here at any time in the years ahead.
The Event officially begins with Opening Ceremonies on Thursday, February 3 at Gentile Hall at the University of Maine at Presque Isle. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. and the festivities will begin at 6:40 p.m. (This is a bit earlier than the time printed on tickets.) Tickets are available at Forum outlets and at the door. Tickets are still available for all competition days as well. We greatly appreciate the combined efforts of the Organizing Committee, the entire Nordic Heritage Sports Club, the Maine Winter Sports Center and the United States Biathlon Association that have been entirely focused, for an intense eight-month period, on making this an event that will inspire that excitement and pride I mentioned. A tremendous investment of energy and enthusiasm on the part of those hundreds of volunteers has, I believe, positioned us well to that end. You be the judges!
Thank you for including us in your winter plans. Enjoy!
Dave Peterson of New Sweden is event director for the 2011 E. ON IBU World Cup Biathlon No. 7 at the Nordic Heritage Center.
… and Feb. 10-13 in Fort Kent
By Nancy Thibodeau
Less than 15 years ago Biathlon was a word that was used very little in the St. John Valley and Aroostook County and now because of it we welcome the world to our little niche on this planet. Biathlon and a new idea to create a new economic driver for northern Maine to bring the world to our doorstep and us to the doorstep of the world.
We welcome these world-class athletes and support staffs to the trails of the 10th Mountain Center and to “The Little Town That Can” with open arms and hearts. Let our trails, the 10th Mountain Center, Fort Kent and the St. John Valley be your home away from home for the days and nights you are with us.
Our Volunteers, which created the venue you are about to venture on, are the best that can be. They have worked their hearts out during many months to make your stay with us an eventful one — one we hope you will remember and hopefully return to in your leisure times. The devotion of our volunteers is second to none. Our volunteers want to make your efforts the best ones of your lives.
Our sponsors have allowed us to create these facilities and our make our community a special place where you can compete to your heart’s desire and enjoy in your leisure times. Sponsors have given much to allow our volunteers the ability to make your sojourn here a memorable time.
Our fans, bless their hearts, will warm your hearts and bodies making your efforts worthwhile. They will cheer for each and every one of you even though they have never met you. Their rousing cheers will fill our stadium to a crescendo when you leave the starting line until you cross the finish line.
Let our town, with all its dreams and efforts, be yours during your stay. We wish you all well. Let our dreams and efforts fill your heart with desire in your quest to be the world’s best in the sport of your own dreams.
Nancy Thibodeau of Fort Kent is event director for the 2011 E.ON IBU World Cup at the 10th Mountain Center in Fort Kent.
