SJR85: Joint Resolution Text

LRB-5350/1

LTK:skw

2019 - 2020 LEGISLATURE

2019 Senate JOINT RESOLUTION 85

January 24, 2020 - Introduced by Senators Petrowski and Bewley, cosponsored by Representatives Edming and B. Meyers. Referred to Committee on Senate Organization.

SJR85,1,2 Relating to: proclaiming February 16 – 22, 2020, as American Birkebeiner Week in Wisconsin.

SJR85,1,5 Whereas, the American Birkebeiner, held in Hayward, WI each year, is North America's largest cross-country ski race and contributes to the estimated $30 million in silent sports revenue generated in Sawyer and Bayfield Counties each year; and

SJR85,1,9 Whereas, over 13,500 cross-country skiers and an estimated 35,000 spectators gather in Hayward each February to celebrate and participate in the American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation's annual Birkie Week of Nordic skiing festivities, which includes events for all ages and abilities; and

SJR85,1,11 Whereas, over 250,000 skiers have participated in American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation races since 1973; and

SJR85,1,14 Whereas, the American Birkebeiner is a uniquely American tradition and the sole cross-country ski race representing the North American continent within the Worldloppet Ski Federation; and

SJR85,2,4 Whereas, the over 100 kilometer American Birkebeiner recreational trail was ranked the number one cross-country ski destination in the United States in 2016. This recreational corridor is utilized by an estimated 100,000 visitors annually and draws tourists to the northwestern Wisconsin region; and

SJR85,2,6 Whereas, Hayward and the surrounding rural communities host participants from 49 states and 24 countries (in 2019) to join in Birkie Week festivities; and

SJR85,2,8 Whereas, 2,500 volunteers from all points north, south, east, and west, volunteer at Birkie Week events in support of the 13,500 competitors; and

SJR85,2,9 Whereas, the American Birkebeiner is celebrating its 46th year in 2020; and

SJR85,2,14 Whereas, the mission of the American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation, a 501C3 non-profit 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 among people of all ages and abilities; now, therefore, be it

SJR85,2,18 Resolved by the senate, the assembly concurring, That the legislature, in recognition of the importance of the American Birkebeiner and its contribution to the State of Wisconsin and its citizens, does hereby proclaim February 16 – 22 to be American Birkebeiner Week in Wisconsin; and, be it further

SJR85,2,20 Resolved, That the senate chief clerk shall provide a copy of this resolution to the American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation.

SJR85,2,21 (End)