July 09, 2013 (Haverhill, MA) – Swix Sport USA is proud to announce a two-year commitment as title sponsor to the American Birkebeiner Ski Events beginning in the winter of 2014. “ The American Birkebeiner is this country’s premier Nordic event and it is a dream to partner for a title sponsorship,” explained Steven Poulin, President and CEO of Swix Sport USA.

This sponsorship includes the Birkie’s ski events in February, a limited collection of Swix / Birkie Technical Apparel, a full merchandizing program, jackets for event volunteer chiefs, and an exclusive Swix Concept Area within the Birkie Exposition.

“We are very excited about this partnership with Swix. It is an exceptional company and very forward thinking. We both see great potential for new ways to support our skiers and grow the reach of the sport,” said Ben Popp, Executive Director of the American Birkebeiner Foundation.

Started in 1973, the American Birkebeiner has grown over four decades to include more than 12,000 skiing participants, 20,000 spectators and complimentary, seasonal mountain biking and running events. “It’s more than a single event,” continued Poulin, “The Birkie is a culture in this country and we’re thrilled to marry that culture with the progressive ski focus that comes from Swix’s Norwegian origins.”

With registration open and the summer trappings of Birkie Fever® beginning, plans are underway for skiing outreach, technical education, training tips and new products for the skiers that will line up on February 22, 2014, representing 48 states and 21 countries.

About Swix
The Swix Sport Group is the world’s leading supplier of ski wax under the brands Swix and Toko. Further, the company is also the market leader for ski poles under the brand name Swix. The company is a significant supplier within textiles for the sporting goods industry under the brand names Swix, Bavac, Ulvang and Lundhags. The mother company, Swix sport AS, is situated in Oslo and at Lillehammer. The pole production is located in Lithuania. The Norwegian daughter company Original AS is the leading supplier of team wear in Scandinavia through the brands Kalas and Swix. The products are distributed through daughter companies in Sweden, Germany, Switzerland, the US and Japan. Sales to other markets are handled through distributors. Swix Sport AS is 100 % owned by Ferd AS.

About the American Birkebeiner
The Birkie is a year-round lifestyle choice for thousands of outdoor fitness enthusiasts of all levels. From its signature ski race–the legendary American Birkebeiner–The Birkie has grown into an exciting array of fitness and recreational opportunities. The 88-kilometer Birkie Trail system attracts skiers, runners, bikers, trekkers, and hikers, from casual day-trippers to elite, international superstars. Located in Hayward and Cable, Wisconsin, the Birkie is now an outdoor sports mecca, a series of great races, a fitness destination, and a lifestyle.