NENSA BKL clubs can now purchase equipment in bulk orders with a “Buy One, Get One Free” deal for any club interested in starting a new, or growing an existing, ski lease program. “TD Banknorth's $10,000 grant was a huge boost to the program and is allowing clubs to get twice the equipment they'd normally be able to afford. It is our sincere hope that this program will directly enable hundreds of kids to get a start in this great lifetime family sport.†says NENSA Executive director Pat Cote.
This program was based off the model that Maine Winter Sports Center developed. Several clubs in New Hampshire, Massachusetts and Vermont were utilizing a similar model. The development of such a program within the wider New England region was an important step in removing the financial barriers for youth to participate in nordic skiing. “We had heard over and over again that the initial investment in equipment was an obstacle faced by our BKL youth clubs; something that was limiting their ability to attract new families. For several years we've wanted to do something and we're thrilled to have the program up and running now†Cote added.
Once the clubs have purchased their equipment, the program becomes self-sufficient. Clubs lease and maintain their equipment, then over about 4 years they will have generated enough revenue from lease fees to purchase replacement equipment. Everyone wins!
This program was the result of the cooperation and hard work of
TD Banknorth, NENSA, Alpina Sports, Atomic, Rossingnol, and NENSA BKL clubs. Each has played a strong role in making this program a success.
