New Gloucester, ME, September 17. For the second year in a row, those attending the successful US Biathlon Golf fund raiser today at the Falmouth Country Club enjoyed a perfect fall day of sunny blue skies and temperatures in the mid-60s.
In his introductory remarks before the 70 golfers teed off, USBA Chairman Larry Pugh commented, “it was so exciting to see Tim Burke (Paul Smiths, NY) finish 7th at the World Championships last year.†He then introduced Burke and teammate Lowell Bailey (Lake Placid, NY), to the group that included local businesspersons, biathlon, and cross-country ski fans, as well as a team decked out in their Bowdoin College shirts.
“It is great to have our athletes out here today. People love to play with them and get the opportunity to learn more about them as well as our sport. It is both a fun day for the players and enormously beneficial to our team,†commented US Biathlon Executive Director Max Cobb.
Halfway through the 18-hole layout, golfers had the opportunity to take a break from their golf game, to test their skill at shooting a laser biathlon rifle. Many found striking the small white balls easier than lighting up the biathlon target with the laser beam. Burke and Bailey, as well as Development Team member BethAnn Chamberlain (Duluth, MN) helped their foursomes score big points in this side competition. With a big laugh, Burke said, “I hit all of my targets today. That is what I am paid for! My golf was not quite as good.â€
On the golf course, the winning team included USBA Board member Bill Alfond, nine-time Hockey All-Star Bobby Orr, Mike Roy, and Tim Whitehead. The team finished with a score of 63.
Funds from the day’s activities, which included the round of golf, a dinner and reception as well as both a silent and live auction, go directly to support the US Biathlon Team. The live auction was as spirited as the competition on the golf course. Bidding reached a peak during a battle for a night for 12 people at a Boston Bruins game hosted by Hall of Fame player Ray Bourque in the TD Banknorth suite. With 2 parties both wanting the big prize, TD Banknorth generously added a second evening satisfying both, thus doubling the contribution on this single item.
Chairman Pugh was more than satisfied with the outcome of this second golf fund raiser, describing the day as, “terrific! I am sure we doubled our income from last year. The auction was a bigger success than I expected. The rule of thumb with events like this is that they will continue to grow at this kind of a rate. With the excellent organization we have, I think each successive year will continue to be better than the last.â€
Former Olympic Biathlete Stacey Wooley, who represented the US Olympic Committee, reiterated the success of this golf event and the US Biathlon team. “There was a buzz on the campus (US Olympic headquarters in Colorado) last winter when the US athletes did so well in the World Championships. The USOC sees the USBA under Max and Larry’s leadership as one of the model National Governing Bodies. Your support of their athletes and the Olympic movement is truly appreciated.â€
The United States Biathlon Association is the National Governing Body for the sport of biathlon in the United States as recognized by the United States Olympic Committee and the International Biathlon Union. The US Biathlon Association supports the US Biathlon Team and development of the sport on all levels within the United States.
