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Marshfield Clinic Minocqua Center recently contributed $500 to the Lakeland Nordic Ski Team to assist it in hosting the High School Nordic State Championships. The event will be Feb. 11 at Winter Park in Minocqua.

“In the past, this event came to us once every 10 years. However, we had such a successful event here in 2009 that they asked to repeat it at Winter Park again this year,” said Sandy Bolger, event co-chairperson.

The event brings over 450 skiers, plus their coaches and families, totaling over 1,000 visitors, to the Lakeland area, Bolger said. Participants and their families come from Milwaukee, Madison, Central Wisconsin, Hayward and other parts of the state.

“This weekend helps showcase our area as a great destination for winter sports to the many visitors who are attending,” she said.

“We have a long history with this event,” said Ken Schoville, head coach for the Lakeland Nordic Ski Team. “Minocqua was the initial site for the first championship, held in 1982, and we’re always happy to be able to host it here.”

“We are so thankful for the support of the Marshfield Clinic and other area businesses that are helping us host this event,” Bolger said. “If we have additional funds left from our donations, we use those to improve ski trails, provide scholarships for youth skiers and update equipment.”

“The Clinic is always glad to support area organizations that help to improve the health and well being of the people in our communities,” said Rick Clark, administrator, Marshfield Clinic Minocqua Center. “Many of our physicians and staff have children who participate on the Lakeland Nordic Ski Team, and we wish them all the best of luck in this competition.”

For more information about the High School Nordic State Championships, call Bolger at 356-5347.