NEW GLOUCESTER, Maine – New England Nordic Ski Association and Craftsbury Outdoor Center extend long-standing partnership for another season with Craftsbury signing on as an official sponsor of NENSA and hosting the 2015-16 EasternCup Series Opener in December.
“The seasons are shifting in northern Vermont: trail work, event planning, tuning up PistenBullies – and renewing our commitment to NENSA! We’re happy to partner with NENSA for another year in recognition of our parallel missions to develop Nordic skiing throughout the region,” said Sheldon Miller, Communications Director for Craftsbury Outdoor Center. “As both skiers and an organization, we’re incredibly fortunate to enjoy a thriving Nordic culture in New England, and NENSA is a key part of that ecosystem. From development to elites, BKL to Junior Nationals; our regional body is a great resource and leader. Let it snow!”
With this partnership, NENSA recognizes Craftsbury Outdoor Center’s services, facilities and tradition of excellent programming as a key asset for the New England Nordic community. Craftsbury will continue to invite NENSA community to take advantage of their facility and will offer special deals to NENSA members for select programs. In addition to their direct sponsorship support of NENSA and providing excellent training opportunities, Craftsbury Outdoor Center will continue to host some of the most exciting racing in New England with the NENSA EasternCup Opener, the famous Craftsbury Marathon, and USSA’s Distance National Championship and SuperTour Finals.
“Craftsbury continues to raise the bar, as a venue and as a community, hosting events and offering services and opportunities that feed our New England – and indeed our national – cross-country skiing community,” said NENSA Executive Director, Zach Stegeman. “This ongoing sponsorship of NENSA reflects our shared commitment to engage and support all levels of the skiing community.”
About Craftsbury Outdoor Center:
Craftsbury Outdoor Center is a 4-season resort tucked beside a secluded lake in the tranquil “Northeast Kingdom.” The Craftsbury Outdoor Center began in 1976 when Russell Spring and his family purchased the Cutler Academy campus and began remaking the facilities into lodging for guests and athletes. A Nordic trail network was cut on the land, with sculling and running camps founded shortly after, providing year round training and athletic opportunities in a beautiful natural setting. After over thirty years of growth and guidance under the Springs, the Center began a new chapter in its life in November 2008 when Dick Dreissigacker and Judy Geer purchased the Center. Dick and Judy promptly reformed the company as a non-profit organization with a new three-tiered mission: 1) to support and promote participation and excellence in lifelong sports with a special focus on rowing, nordic skiing, and running; 2) to use and teach sustainable practices; and 3) to protect and manage the surrounding land, lake and trails.
About New England Nordic Ski Association:
The New England Nordic Ski Association (NENSA) is the community Olympic development organization for cross-country skiing in New England as well as the umbrella for most organized Nordic skiing events in the region. NENSA hosts over 50 events and more than 20 clinics for skiers and coaches at venues across the Northeast. Cross-country skiing, as practiced by our youth skiers and families, is a lifetime activity firmly rooted in New England tradition. Cross-country ski racing, as performed in the NENSA Eastern Cup series, and at our Championship Events, is a fast, explosive, and visually dynamic sport. It is NENSA’s mission to sustain a vital and active skiing community in New England. Visit the NENSA website at www.NENSA.net to learn more and to read the complete mission and vision statements.