fyi:
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Madison-area skiers are invited to submit their favorite American
Birkebeiner skiing experience for a chance at being published in a book that
commemorates the 30th anniversary of North America's largest cross-country
ski race. Madison sends hundreds of skiers to the event each year, and I
know they have many fun and exciting stories to share. The majority of the
book will be comprised of stories from skiers themselves. The submission
deadline is Aug. 15, 2002. The Birkie celebrates its 30-year anniversary on
Feb. 22, 2003.
The full news release follows. Please let me know if you have questions or
need additional information.
Best regards,
Kevin Olson
952.346.6207
N E W S R E L E A S E
Stories Sought for American Birkebeiner 30th Anniversary Commemorative Book
HAYWARD, Wis. (May 23, 2002) - Skiers have a chance to be a part of the
American Birkebeiner legacy by contributing their most memorable Birkebeiner
or Kortelopet experience for publication in the Birkebeiner's official book
commemorating the 30th anniversary of the legendary cross-country ski race.
The book, tentatively titled "Stories from the Trail: Commemorating 30 years
of the American Birkebeiner," will feature a history of the race, all past
Birkebeiner and Kortelopet winners, interesting facts, and numerous photos.
The majority of the book, however, will be comprised of stories submitted by
skiers themselves.
"There's no other event that inspires people more than the Birkie or the
Korte," said Kevin Olson, the book's editor. "Every skier has at least one
good story from every Birkie or Kortie, and they're told to friends and
family, but after that they're often lost. I want to capture the best
stories in print from the past three decades so they can be preserved and
shared with everyone.
"Every Birkie is an epic journey that elicits emotions ranging from tears,
to frustration, to joy, to exhilaration, to that incredible feeling of
satisfaction when you cross the finish line," Olson continued. "It doesn't
matter whether you're an elite racer or skiing from the back of the pack -
every participant has a story to tell."
The first American Birkebeiner cross-country ski race was held in 1973 when
35 participants skied 50 kilometers from Hayward, Wis. to Telemark Lodge in
Cable, Wis. The event has grown exponentially over the years, and recently,
more than 6,500 skiers have participated in the Birkebeiner and Kortelopet
races, making it the largest cross-country ski race in North America. The
30th anniversary of the Birkie will be held on Feb. 22, 2003.
Story submissions should adhere to the following guidelines:
* Submission deadline is Aug. 15, 2002.
* Only one story will be selected from each person; no more than three
submissions per person.
* Submissions should be 750 words or less.
* The author has the right to edit submissions for content and length.
* Submissions can be emailed to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
<mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> or [EMAIL PROTECTED]
<mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> and should be included in the email body copy
- no attachments please. Or log on to SkinnySki.com for more information.
* Contributors will receive no monetary compensation for their
stories. Rather, they will receive a free copy of the book and experience
the satisfaction of having their stories published in this commemorative
publication.
* Contributors should include with their story their full name,
address, phone number, number of Birkies/Kortes completed, and approximate
year when their experience occurred.
* All submissions become property of the author.
The best 50-75 stories will be selected based on creativity, writing, the
experience, variety and reflection on the Birkie itself.
"The American Birkebeiner receives dozens of letters after each Birkie
weekend, so we know that skiers are eager to share their stories," said Don
Maher, American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation board member. "We encourage
everyone to submit their most memorable experiences to this collection to
help commemorate the Birkie's 30th anniversary."
A portion of the proceeds from each book sale will benefit the American
Birkebeiner Ski Foundation. The book will be available for sale in early
January 2003. To reserve a copy, email your contact information to one of
the two addresses listed above.
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