LRB-5754/1
CMH:skw
2021 - 2022 LEGISLATURE
January 18, 2022 - Introduced by Senators Petrowski and Bewley, cosponsored by
Representatives Edming and B. Meyers. Referred to Committee on Senate
Organization.
SJR91,1,2
1Relating to: proclaiming February 21 to 27, 2022, as American Birkebeiner Week
2in Wisconsin.
SJR91,1,63
Whereas, the American Birkebeiner, held each year in Hayward, Wisconsin, is
4North America's largest cross-country ski race and contributes to the estimated $30
5million in silent sports revenue generated in Sawyer and Bayfield Counties each
6year; and
SJR91,1,107
Whereas, over 13,500 cross-country skiers and an estimated 35,000 spectators
8gather in Hayward each February to celebrate and participate in the American
9Birkebeiner Ski Foundation's annual Birkie Week of Nordic skiing festivities, which
10includes events for all ages and abilities; and
SJR91,1,1211
Whereas, over 250,000 skiers have participated in American Birkebeiner Ski
12Foundation races since 1973; and
SJR91,1,1513
Whereas, the American Birkebeiner is a uniquely American tradition and the
14sole cross-country ski race representing the North American continent within the
15Worldloppet Ski Federation; and
SJR91,2,4
1Whereas, the over 100 kilometer American Birkebeiner recreational trail was
2ranked the number one cross-country ski destination in the United States in 2016.
3This recreational corridor is utilized by an estimated 100,000 visitors annually and
4draws tourists to the northwestern Wisconsin region; and
SJR91,2,65
Whereas, Hayward and the surrounding rural communities host participants
6from 47 states and 17 countries (in 2022) to join in Birkie Week festivities; and
SJR91,2,87
Whereas, 2,500 volunteers from all points north, south, east, and west
8volunteer at Birkie Week events in support of the 13,500 competitors; and
SJR91,2,99
Whereas, the American Birkebeiner is celebrating its 48th year in 2022; and
SJR91,2,1410
Whereas, the mission of the American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation, a 501(c)(3)
11nonprofit organization, is to conduct the finest international cross-country ski
12competitions, to serve as good stewards of the American Birkebeiner trail system,
13and to support a healthy and active lifestyle among people of all ages and abilities;
14now, therefore, be it
SJR91,2,18
15Resolved by the
senate, the assembly concurring, That the legislature, in
16recognition of the importance of the American Birkebeiner and its contribution to the
17state of Wisconsin and its citizens, does hereby proclaim February 21 to 27, 2022, to
18be American Birkebeiner Week in Wisconsin; and, be it further
SJR91,2,20
19Resolved, That the senate chief clerk shall provide a copy of this resolution to
20the American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation.
