June 29, 2009 (Hayward, Wis) – The American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation (ABSF) is announcing a contest to design the official t-shirt for the 2010 American Birkebeiner ski race. The winning t-shirt design will be the featured retail t-shirt for the event.

“We have created the t-shirt design contest for the 2010 event as a way to allow artists and those who love the Birkie a creative way to participate in the event,” said Ned Zuelsdorff, Executive Director of the American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation. “Proceeds from the sales of the 2010 featured t-shirt will benefit young skier programs. We hope that people will consider supporting the American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation and our effort to foster youth skiing by entering the contest.”

“It is our goal to inspire people to live active and healthy lives through participation in our events and programs. More simply put, we hope that people choose to ‘Live the Birkie.'” said Zuelsdorff. “We’re looking for a design that reflects the ‘Live the Birkie’ lifestyle.”

Artists interested in participating in the contest should submit designs in Vector format (.EPS, .AI, .CDR file extensions). Designs should be limited to a maximum of six colors. The deadline for t-shirt artwork is Friday, August 14, 2009.

Artwork and questions can be directed to Cherie Morgan, American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation Media and Public Relations Coordinator at media@birkie.com. Artwork may also be delivered by the deadline to the American Birkebeiner at PO Box 911 or 10527 Main, Hayward, Wisconsin 54843. A complete list of contest rules and information is available at www.birkie.com.

The winning t-shirt will be connected with the largest and most prestigious cross country ski event in North America. As well as being recognized for their winning design the artist will receive one complimentary race registration to the 2010 or 2011 American Birkebeiner and a VIP Parking Pass to the Race Start. Fischer Skis will provide the winner with a new pair of skis, either Classic or Skate and New Moon Ski Shop will provide the winner with their choice of bindings and installation.

More than 7,000 skiers are expected to register for the 37th anniversary American Birkebeiner and Kortelopet. Another 2,500 are expected for shorter races and events. To learn more about North America’s largest and most prestigious cross country ski race, log on to www.birkie.com, email birkie@birkie.com or call 715/634-5025.

The Birkie is sponsored by Subaru, Becker Law, Johnson Bank, Sawyer County Record and Superior Publishing, and other businesses throughout the region and country.

American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation, Inc.
PO Box 911
Hayward, Wisconsin 54843
715-634-5025 (phone)
715-634-5663 (fax)

About the Birkie: Celebrating its 37th year, the American Birkebeiner (1-800-USA-BRKE; www.birkie.com), February 25-27, 2009, is the largest and most prestigious cross country ski marathon in North America. Spanning more than 50 kilometers from Cable to Hayward, the Birkie is part of the Worldloppet series of 15 international races, and part of the lives of citizen skiers from around the world. Sponsors of Birkie include Subaru, Becker Law, Johnson Bank, Sawyer County Record and Superior Publishing, and other businesses throughout the region and country. Find out more at www.birkie.com or call 715/634-5025.