before. It gets people digging out their old skis or coming in
for new ones.”
Hotels, restaurants, and sporting goods stores
stand to benefit the most from the Junior Olympics, but
the economic impact is expected to be felt throughout
the community. According to Theresa Fowler, Executive
Director of the Presque Isle Chamber of Commerce,
businesses benefit anytime a large number of people come
to town. “It’s certainly an economic benefit for the whole
area,” she said. “If people are staying in hotels, they’re eating
in restaurants and shopping at the stores. It doesn’t matter
where you go, you always have to buy something. You can’t
put 700 people someplace for ten days and not benefit.”
It takes support from volunteers, sponsors, and
spectators to successfully put on an event like the Junior
Olympics. Event organizers, who are volunteers, have already
dedicated hundreds of hours to the cause. An outstanding
group of event volunteers will work at the Junior Olympics
to register athletes, coordinate the races, provide medical
care, and keep everyone fed.
It also takes money to host an event of this
magnitude, and several businesses and organizations in the
community have stepped up to support the Junior Olympics.
At a press conference in September, The Aroostook Medical
Center (TAMC) and Key Bank were announced as the event’s
major sponsors. Both TAMC and Key Bank were major
supporters of the Biathlon Junior World Championship in
2006.
“We know that diabetes and cardiovascular disease
rates are high in Aroostook County,” said Dave Peterson,
President & CEO of TAMC. “It’s important that TAMC
lead the way in trying to combat this, and our support of
the Junior Olympics is one way we can make a difference.
We believe a high-profile event like this can help get local
children and families interesting in giving Nordic skiing a
try.”
One way the community can support the race is by
coming out to cheer on the athletes. Nordic skiing can be
about gliding quietly through the countryside, but if you
think that’s all there is to it, the Junior Olympics will change
your perception of the sport. The races are thrilling and full
of action and speed. Spectators can watch the races from
many different spots around the Nordic Heritage Center
and step inside to warm up when it gets too cold.
If you’re looking for something to do in March,
why not check out the Junior Olympics? It’s a great way to
get out and enjoy something new with the family, and you
might even be convinced to give it a try.
WINTER 2010 USSA XC Junior Olympics 19