AJR2,,112023 ASSEMBLY JOINT RESOLUTION 2 January 11, 2023 - Introduced by Representatives Edming and Green, cosponsored by Senators Quinn and Tomczyk. Referred to Committee on Rules.
AJR2,,22Relating to: proclaiming February 20 to 26, 2023, as American Birkebeiner Week in Wisconsin. AJR2,,33Whereas, the American Birkebeiner, North America’s largest cross-country ski race, was first held in 1973 and is held between Cable and Hayward, Wisconsin, each year where it contributes significantly to the economy in Sawyer and Bayfield Counties; and AJR2,,44Whereas, over 13,500 cross-country skiers and an estimated 35,000 spectators gather each February to celebrate and participate in the American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation’s annual Birkie Week of cross-country skiing festivities, which includes events for all ages and abilities; and AJR2,,55Whereas, over 350,000 skiers have participated in American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation races since 1973; and AJR2,,66Whereas, the American Birkebeiner is a uniquely American tradition and the sole cross-country ski race representing the United States of America within the Worldloppet Ski Federation; and AJR2,,77Whereas, 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 AJR2,,88Whereas, Hayward and the surrounding rural communities will host participants from at least 18 countries, 49 states, and the District of Columbia (in 2023) to join in Birkie Week festivities; and AJR2,,99Whereas, 2,500 volunteers from all points north, south, east, and west volunteer at Birkie Week events in support of the 13,500 competitors; and AJR2,,1010Whereas, the American Birkebeiner is celebrating its 49th year in 2023; and AJR2,,1111Whereas, the mission of the American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation, a 501 (c) (3) 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 among people of all ages and abilities; now, therefore, be it AJR2,,1212Resolved by the assembly, the senate 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 20 to 26, 2023, to be American Birkebeiner Week in Wisconsin; and, be it further AJR2,,1313Resolved, That the assembly chief clerk shall provide a copy of this resolution to the American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation.
