April 11, 2005 (Colchester, Vermont) — The US Biathlon Association (USBA) announces the addition of William (Bill) Alfond to its board of trustees. This is the latest step in its ongoing effort to create a culture of success within the small but emerging winter Olympic sport. The USBA has made a series of high profile announcements this winter including signing Banknorth as a title sponsor, moving its headquarters to Maine, hosting the 2006 Olympic Trials in Fort Kent, Maine and the addition of Larry Pugh and Bill Haggett, two highly respected business executives with roots in Maine, to its board.

Biathlon, an Olympic sport that combines cross-country skiing and rifle marksmanship, is the only US winter sport yet to win an Olympic medal. It is, however, enjoying its best year ever with six different athletes combining for over thirty top-30 World Cup finishes this season. In a sport where one missed target can mean the difference between a gold medal and 20th place, it is clear that the US Team is on the brink.

“We are very pleased to have someone of Bill Alfond’s ability agree to join our organization,” said William Lilly, Interim President of the USBA. “We feel like we have created strong momentum coming out of this competitive season and going into next years Olympics. The addition of Bill to our board will give us a great resource to help biathlon build for the future.”

William (Bill) Alfond is a former senior executive of the family-owned Dexter Shoe Company. He is a current minority owner of the World Champion Boston Red Sox, serves on the boards of Colby College in Waterville, Maine and Governor Dummer Academy in Byfield, Massachusetts, and is active with the Carrabassett Valley Academy in Carrabassett Valley, Maine. Mr. Alfond has dedicated himself to providing strong educational opportunities to the youth of New England. He is also passionate about skiing.

About the US Biathlon Association
The US Biathlon Association is the National Governing Body for the Olympic sport of Biathlon in the US. It exists to support and encourage the development of biathlon in the United States and to prepare athletes for international competition, including the Olympic Winter Games. Founded in 1980, USBA works with Biathlon Clubs and Regional Centers around the country to organize training and competition at the grass roots level. It staffs and finances the US Biathlon Senior National, Development and Junior Teams. Banknorth is the title sponsor of the US Team. Lapua, adidas, and Exel Ski Poles are supporting sponsors.

More information and schedules are available at www.USBiathlon.org.