The American Birkebeiner is celebrating its 35th anniversary on February 23, 2008 and the Arthritis Foundation is joining the Birkie as a “Skiers for Cures” partner. The Birkie is a 51K cross-country ski race from Cable to Hayward, Wis. that commemorates the frozen trek that two Norwegian warriors took to save the young Prince Haakon from enemies over 800 years ago. All participants have the option to raise pledges and turn in donations for three charities including the Arthritis Foundation.
The Arthritis Foundation is the leading organization in the prevention, control and cure of arthritis and related diseases. According to researchers, moderate exercise with the permission of your doctor helps to reduce physical stress on joints caused by being overweight as well as emotional stress caused by pain and limitations. The gliding movements of cross-country skiing are less demanding on joints, although poles may need to be modified if arthritis affects a person’s hands and wrists.
The Arthritis Foundation is pleased to partner with the American Birkebeiner which provides an event for skiers of all ages and skill levels to compete. Men, women and children – yes, kids get arthritis, too – are able to ski and raise money for the number one cause of disability in America. Participants in the Subaru American Birkebeiner®, Birkie® Classic, 23K Kortelopet sponsored by State Bank of Drummond/Cable Area Chamber of Commerce, and the Johnson Bank Prince Haakon 12K can now support great causes by collecting donations and turning them in when picking up their race bibs.
About the Arthritis Foundation
The Arthritis Foundation is the leading health organization addressing the needs of some 46 million Americans living with arthritis, the nation’s number-one cause of disability. This includes over 1.1 million men, women and children in Wisconsin living with arthritis or a related disease.
The Arthritis Foundation is the largest private, not-for-profit contributor to arthritis research in the world, funding more than $380 million in research grants since 1948. The Foundation helps individuals take control of arthritis by providing public health education; pursuing public policy and legislation; and conducting evidence-based programs to improve the quality of life for those living with arthritis. Information is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 1-800-568-4045 or www.arthritis.org.