World Cup notebook

FORT KENT – For all those with the slightest drop of Swedish blood in their veins, the place to be tonight is New Sweden.

The tiny northern Maine town will welcome the nine members of the Swedish biathlon team here competing this week in the 2004 Biathlon World Cup. Also in town is Maggi Mickelson, governor of the Swedish state of Jemptland.

The 7 p.m. reception at the New Sweden School is open to the Swedish and non-Swedish public.

The social will serve as a fund-raiser for the team, who, according to World Cup organizers, would not have been able to make the trip to Fort Kent if not for some financial assistance.

So local Swedes decided to help out. All proceeds raised during the social and from the raffling of competition bibs will go to the team.

In addition to the reception, team members will tour the New Sweden Museum and attend a potluck supper with members of the New Sweden Middle School Nordic Ski Team.

At around 2 p.m. today, several members of the U.S. Biathlon Olympic team, including coaches and volunteers, will attend a gathering and reception at the Lakeview Restaurant in St. Agatha.

They also will ride snowmobiles with local people.

“What a terrific opportunity for our community to meet with these highly trained and skilled athletes,” St. Agatha Town Manager Ryan Pelletier said earlier this week. “I urge residents to meet with these young men and women who are from all over the United States, and are here in the St. John Valley for the biathlon event.”

“It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity for some,” said Paul Bernier, the town’s community development director. “It’s also an opportunity to show off our good life here, and how our region works together.”

The gathering and reception is free. A buffet will be available at $10 a plate after the reception.

– Compiled by NEWS writers Julia Bayly and Beurmond Banville