Whereas the American Birkebeiner, held in Hayward, Wisconsin, is North America’s largest cross-country ski race and contributes to the estimated $26,000,000 in revenue generated in Sawyer and Bayfield counties in Wisconsin each year; Whereas over 13,000 cross-country skiers and tens of thousands of spectators gather in Hayward each February to celebrate and participate in the American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation’s annual week of cross-country skiing festivities, which includes events for all ages and abilities; Whereas the American Birkebeiner is a uniquely American tradition and is the sole cross-country ski-race representing the North American continent within the global Worldloppet International Sports Federation; Whereas over 250,000 skiers have participated in American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation races since 1973; Whereas the 100+ kilometer American Birkebeiner recreational trail was ranked among the best cross-country ski destinations in the United States in 2016, is utilized by an estimated 100,000 visitors each year, and draws tourists to Northwest Wisconsin; Whereas the American Birkebeiner is celebrating its 44th year and the recent opening of the Tony Wise Museum of the American Birkebeiner, which commemorates the race’s origins and legacy; Whereas the 2017 American Birkebeiner cross-country ski race will be celebrating a momentous milestone with the inaugural use of the new American Birkebeiner Trailhead permanent start area; Whereas past and current members of the United States ski team will be gathering in reunion at the 2017 American Birkebeiner, many of whom have represented the United States at the highest level of international competition including the past 15 Olympic Games; Whereas the mission of the American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation, a 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