IPC Gets Grant to Host 2nd Paralympic Event in Hayward
CABLE - Tourism Secretary Stephanie Klett presented the Cable Area Chamber of Commerce a $6,000 Joint Effort Marketing (JEM) grant from the Wisconsin Department of Tourism to secure funding for the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) Nordic Skiing World Cup in Cable in January of 2013. In an unprecedented move and at the request of last year's participants, Cable was asked by the IPC to host an event for the second year in a row.
Organizers project the sporting event will generate over $1.2 million in traveler spending at area hotels, restaurants and stores from spectators and participating athletes.
"It's a great honor and a privilege for Wisconsin to host an International Paralympic Committee event not once, but twice," said Secretary Klett. "A winter sporting event of this caliber builds upon the success of other events like the American Birkebeiner that showcases the state to an international audience. In addition, the economic impact from this event reaches well beyond Cable into a much larger region of Northwest Wisconsin."
The Cable Area Chamber of Commerce will use the JEM grant to purchase advertising to increase spectators for the event.
The IPC World Cup Biathlon and Cross Country Ski Championships was held in Cable last year and, for the first time ever, an IPC event will return for a second consecutive year.
The ten day event is serving as the first qualifying event for the 2014 Paralympic Games in Sochi, Russia.
It is anticipated to bring approximately 150 athletes with physical and visual disabilities from 13 nations to compete, along with coaches, staff, officials, volunteers and spectators from all over the world.
The competition will be broadcast live world-wide online. "We are honored and excited to host this Paralympic event in the Cable Area" said James Bolen, Executive Director of the Cable Area Chamber of Commerce. "Our trail system is the largest in the U.S and some of those trails are very challenging. It will be thrilling to watch these amazing athletes competing at the highest level right here in our community. It's great for our area and it's great for Wisconsin."
JEM grant funds are available to non-profit organizations for the promotion of Wisconsin tourism events and destinations.
The state can fund up to 75 percent of a project's first year advertising and marketing costs and provides support for second and third year projects, but with decreasing amounts for funding each year until projects become self-sustaining.
For information on the JEM Program and application materials, visit http://industry.travelwisconsin.com.
