Team Birkie Becomes Independent Non-Profit Organization
New Chapter Marks Growth and Expanded Opportunities for Midwest Skiers
CABLE, WI — July 24, 2025 — Team Birkie announced today that it has officially established itself as an independent 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, marking an exciting new chapter for the Midwest’s premier high-performance cross-country ski team.
Since its formation four years ago, Team Birkie has operated under the not-for-profit auspices of the American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation (ABSF), in partnership with the Loppet Foundation in the Twin Cities and Central Cross Country Skiing (CXC). The team’s growth and evolving needs prompted its founding partners and management board to transition Team Birkie into its own organization while maintaining close collaboration and support.
“Every organization follows its evolutionary path, and Team Birkie is no exception,” said Yuriy Gusev, Team Birkie Board President. “Our athletes, coaches, and supporters deeply appreciate ABSF, Loppet, and CXC for launching our regional high-performance team and for their continued support, which has enabled our success and growth.”
Ben Popp, ABSF Executive Director, added, “It’s exciting to see the program build on the foundation Steve Gaskell created in the 1990s with the original Team Birkie. Being part of creating opportunities for Midwest athletes to reach the highest levels of skiing—while inspiring the next generation—is at the heart of this initiative. You can’t be what you can’t see, and having our community rally around this team is critical to fostering the region’s skiing pipeline.”
With this new independence, Team Birkie aims to expand opportunities for athletes, enhance programming, and strengthen its connection to the Midwest skiing community.
Support the Team
Team Birkie invites the community to get involved and show their support. Visit the Events Page to learn more about upcoming events, mark your calendars, and join in celebrating this exciting new chapter.
####
Posted August 22, 2025 at 9:31 am
