Olympic Medalist Speaking, Skiing The Birkie

Vegard Ulvang, a six-time Olympic medalist, is skiing the Birkebeiner race next weekend and giving what event organizers are calling a "rare presentation" on Thursday.

Considered one of Norway's top nordic skiers, Ulvang just completed an 800-mile-long ski to the South Pole on Dec. 14 in celebration of a century since Amundsen's famous expedition in 1911. 

Along with skiing the Birkie, Ulvang is giving a presentation from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Thurs., Feb. 23 at the Hayward High School Auditorium about his experiences on the South Pole trek, titled "800 Miles to the South Pole...On Skis." 

There is a fee of $20 to attend the presentation, or attendees may show a "Ski for the Cure" pin for entry.  These pins are available at the door, or at the Birkie race office, New Moon Ski and Bike, or the Birkie Expo. The pins are sold in support of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, and Ulvang has offered to assist in raising funds for the program.

Unless attendees have reservations, seating will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis.