With just two months to go before hundreds of the world’s top biathletes converge on Aroostook County, organizers of the 2016 International Biathlon Union World Cup are reviewing security plans and dusting off plans to make snow if needed.

Vianney Thibaut/Getty Images
Vianney Thibaut/Getty Images
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The Nordic Heritage Center will be hosting IBU World Cup 8 at their world-class Nordic ski and biathlon venue in Presque Isle February 11-14. Teams and visitors from 32 participating nations are expected to arrive in the County in early February.

"Right now it's all about snow and safety," said Jane Towle, 2016 IBU Biathlon World Cup event director.  "Everyone on the organizing committee and hundreds of community volunteers are actively engaged in the final weeks of preparation for the event, but special attention is most certainly being given to unusually warm weather and worrisome world headlines that have us reviewing our plans both to make snow, and ensure the safety and security of our international visitors."

The event in northern Maine will be the eighth in a series of nine stops on the 2015-2016 international circuit, and the only stop in the United States.

Several measures, including credentialing of all volunteers, media, team members and other personnel working the event, as well as inspection of bags and backpacks of volunteers and spectators, are all planned as part of security at the Nordic Heritage Center during the event.

With the 2016 IBU Biathlon World Cup fast approaching, organizers are turning to the community to help host the teams and spectators from around the world and to make certain the four days of competition go off smoothly.

Individuals interested in volunteering are encouraged to visit the site: BiathlonMaine.com and click on the volunteers link to register.

For more information on volunteer opportunities with the 2016 IBU Biathlon World Cup event in early February, email Volunteer Coordinator Nancy Fletcher at fletcheramauto@gmail.com.

Information in this article was sent to us in a press release. We welcome you to send any information of local interest to newspi@townsquaremedia.com.

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