New Gloucester, ME – The third annual US Biathlon Golf Tournament returns to the Falmouth Country Club on September 15.
This event raises funds to support the US Biathlon Team and the New England Nordic Ski Association. According to US Biathlon Executive Director Max Cobb, the partnership between the US Biathlon and NENSA is important to the growth of the sport. “US Biathlon recognizes the critical role that regional partners play in the development of fast skiers and successful biathletes. Our relationship with the New England Nordic Ski Association (NENSA) sets the standard.
This fundraising effort will help sustain the programs that have made this relationship so successful.â€
As in the previous two editions, the event will be an 18-hole scramble format kicking off at 11 AM, is limited to 22 foursomes, with prizes in several categories. During the afternoon, golfers will also have the opportunity to test their biathlon skills with a laser shooting training system with help from US Biathlon Team coaches.
Several members of the US Biathlon Team as well as other special sports guests are expected to participate. Last year, top-ranked Tim Burke (Paul Smiths, NY) and Lowell Bailey (Lake Placid, NY) both led foursomes over the lush Falmouth Country Club layout.
Burke finished this past season among the best biathletes in the world. His record included a ninth place in the World Championships 10K Sprint and two top 8 finishes at the final World Cup competition in Oslo, Norway (7th place in the Pursuit, 8th in the Mass Start). Bailey posted an all-time best 11th place in the 12.5K Pursuit competition at the Pyeong Chang, Korea World Cup last season. These two athletes as well as the rest of the US Biathlon Team continue to move up the international rankings as the 2010 Olympic Winter Games in Vancouver approach.
The golf tournament provides additional training funds for the team in their drive to make history in those games with the USA’s first-ever Olympic medal in biathlon. Cobb commented on the fundraising effort and the US prospects, “Our athletes have shown the ability to win medals as with top 10 finishes in both World Cups and the World Championships. However, even though we have excellent support from the US Olympic Committee, TD Banknorth, and several other sponsors, we still to need extra funds to support every aspect of their training with the best staff, facilities, and equipment possible to make that final step.â€
The day’s activities will conclude with a social hour, followed by a gourmet dinner, and both a live and silent auction.
Golfers may register as individuals for $350 or as foursomes for $1,200. Several sponsorship packages are also available. For registration or sponsorship information, contact golf coordinator Katy Cook by e-mail, katy.usba@yahoo.com or at the US Biathlon Association office, 1-800-242-8456.
Source: USBA
