Gala fundraiser to support county’s biathlon-hosting efforts in 2014

    PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — The Organizing Committee of the upcoming 2014 International Biathlon Union Youth/Junior World Championships is planning a gala event to both build enthusiasm and raise dollars to support the region’s efforts to again roll out the welcome mat to the world’s best young biathletes.    The Junior World Biathlon Championships Fundraising Gala is set for Saturday, Nov. 9 beginning at 7 p.m. at the University of Maine at Presque Isle’s Campus Center. The evening will feature fine hors d’oeuvres, a cash bar, and live and silent auctions with a wide array of donated items.
“The gala is an opportunity for us to come together as a county community for an evening of fun and purpose, as we prepare our area to again shine on the world stage this winter. The public is most certainly invited and encouraged to join us as we raise a glass and raise funds to support our hosting efforts,” said Jane Towle, event director for the 2014 event.
With less than 18 weeks to go before athletes from around the world begin arriving in The County to compete, preparations for both the upcoming gala and the biathlon and related cultural/community activities are well under way.
In the coming weeks, organizing committee members will announce several more major event partners that will join Katahdin Trust Co., which was recently announced as a lead partner. The northern Maine-based bank, recognized nationally for its commitment to community, is one of the two lead supporters for the large-scale winter sports competition. The other major/gold partner and several silver, bronze and other supporters will be named and recognized at the gala.
The 2014 Junior World Biathlon Championships will bring upwards of 350 of the world’s top biathletes, under the age of 21, and support staff from more than 30 countries to Aroostook County for the competition that will take place from Feb. 28-March 7.
“Excitement is building for the 2014 IBU Youth/Junior Biathlon World Championships,” said Towle. “Preparations are going well.”
Admission charge for the Nov. 9 fund-raising gala is $25 per person. More information on the event, and admission and sponsorship contributions can be made online at biathlon-presqueisle.org.