Jim Grijalva, Vice Chairman, recieved a letter from the IRS yesterday that begins
We are pleased to inform you that upon review of your application for tax exempt status we have determined that you are exempt from Federal income tax under section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code.....
Woo hoo! It was an interesting experience in patience and the specificity of language, but we made it. Now we can get serious - so stay tuned!
Last weekend brought one of the premiere adventure events in the state to the Red River Valley - ENDracing's END-SPAR - a six and a half hour adventure race located in and around turtle river state park. The event sold out months ago and drew experienced adventure athletes from throughout the region and Southern Canada. Six 'kids' joined the hundred odd adults to test their mettle against a tough course that involved mountain biking, trekking, pack-rafting, and mystery challenges and map and compass navigation.
Ten young superstars from the climbing club took part in the semiannual climbing competition at Northern Heights Rock Gym in mid April. While all the climbers deserve recognition for their achievements, special accolades go to Asaliah, Emmit, and Keegan who placed first, second and third respectively in the youth category. Several of the club members, despite their qualifying by age for the youth category, decided to enter in the intermediate category and go head to head with climbers twice thier ages.
The second session of our climbing club is bursting at the seams and registration is now closed! We've got a good mix of new and returning climbers and even one person driving up from Fargo every Monday to join our band of budding ascensionists. We'll keep you posted on future dates, and in the meantime, make sure to check out our youth adventure racing camp happening this summer from June 4th to June 7th.
Paul Schafer, a seventeen year old Central High School student, fought a hard battle at the third annual ColdAvenger Iceman Triathlon last weekend (Feb. 25th) and made his way onto the podium for an impressive third place finish. Facing seasoned competitors from Grand Forks, Bismarck, Fargo, and even Minnesota and Canada, Shafer -a top cross-country runner - passed UND law professor Joe Vacek during the last half mile of the run. Vacek had more than a four minute lead going into the three mile run and commented, "he just came out of nowhere!".
The Adventure Racing Camp slated for June has been shifted a week earlier, from June 4th - 7th. Sorry for any inconvenience! There is still loads of time before then but for those interested, please feel free to email me to let me know you want a spot so that i can make sure to shoot you an email a few days before registration opens....
Altru Health System has generously donated $1000 to provide need based scholarships for GUP's summer adventure camp - a four day camp slated for the 11th through the 14th of June. Campers aged 11-15 will learn map and compass navigation, mountain biking skills, pack-rafting, and teamwork over the four days. The rigorous schedule will culminate in an overnight stay in Turtle River State Park on Wednesday night and a real adventure race experience the following morning. For more info, email camp@groundupadventures.com
