October 22, 2013 (New Gloucester, Maine) – US Biathlon is excited to announce that the Nordic Heritage Center in Presque Isle, Maine and the Maine Winter Sports Center have been offered a Biathlon World Cup in 2016.

“The Nordic Heritage Center and the Organizing Committee’s leaders and volunteers have earned the respect of the International Biathlon Union (IBU),” said Max Cobb, President and CEO of US Biathlon. “Not only is this a great compliment to current and past event organizing committees in central Aroostook, and the local volunteers and business communities; these events are a unique opportunity for American athletes to compete in front of an American audience.”

“This is a remarkable honor and continues to establish Aroostook County as a place capable of setting a world-class standard,” said Andy Shepard, President of the Maine Winter Sports Center. “These events are critical to the economic development mission of the Maine Winter Sports Center and create another opportunity to encourage the world to come explore northern Maine’s remarkable natural resources.”

Canmore, Alberta, in Canada, home to the 1988 Winter Olympics, will join Presque Isle in hosting a World Cup, setting up a two week long North American Tour.

“This is an important day for the Nordic Heritage Center. There are a limited number of World Cup Biathlon competitions awarded each season, and the level of professionalism required to secure one of these events is tremendously high. We are very proud that the IBU has placed this level of trust in our organization,” said Jane Towle, event director for the upcoming 2014 IBU World Junior Biathlon Championships taking place in Presque Isle. “As in all our events, the local service-based business community plays a critical role in our ability to host a successful event, and we look forward to reaching out to work with them on a plan which will allow us to accept this incredible opportunity in 2016.”

Nathan Berry, President of the Nordic Heritage Sport Club, agrees.  He cites the strong spirit of volunteerism and willingness of County businesses and organizations to step forward and partner that make hosting world-class events in northern Maine possible.

“Our ability to stand on the same world stage as a city that has hosted the Winter Olympic Games is quite impressive. We would most certainly not have this opportunity if it were not for the hundreds of volunteers who put in countless hours to make these events happen. Additionally, the support we receive from the County business community and numerous organizations is always most impressive,” said Berry.

In the weeks ahead, the IBU will release the provisional dates for the 2016 World Cup and the detailed planning with the community can begin.