The Iditarod Air Force was busy over the weekend airlifting tons of food drop bags and straw for the 2009 Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race.  In Skwentna, long time Iditarod Checker Joe Dehlia, spent the weekend making sure everything was in place for the mushers when they arrive.  Joe and his lead dog “Mack” were at the ready to assist on the ground.  Click here  to see Joe and Mack in action.

WASILLA, ALASKA – (February 10, 2009) — The Iditarod Trail Committee announced  that ExxonMobil is expanding its support with a $1.25 million, multi-year contribution to sponsor the Iditarod and its Education Program.

Stan Hooley, executive director of the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, said,

“A significant element in this partnership is the ability for the Iditarod and ExxonMobil to motivate students throughout the world in their math and science studies by connecting with the Iditarod.”

Craig Haymes, Alaska production manager for ExxonMobil, said, “We recognize the essential role that math and science plays in the energy business, and in facilitating human progress.

“We believe it is fundamentally important to encourage new generations to pursue studies and careers in fields involving math and science.

“We are proud of our 30 year association with the Iditarod and will partner with the Iditarod Education Program to expand math and science opportunities in Alaska,” Haymes added.

Iditarod Education Program

The Iditarod Education Program includes classroom instruction and professional development conferences for teachers.  The program encourages student interest in math, science, geography, animal care and a host of other experiential learning opportunities by using “The Last Great Race” as a portal to classrooms around the world.  Currently, over 5,000 schools and hundreds of thousands of students participate each year.  For more visit www.iditarod.com.

ExxonMobil support for education

ExxonMobil Corporation engages in a range of philanthropic activities that advance education, health and science in the communities where ExxonMobil has significant operations.  In the United States, ExxonMobil supports initiatives to improve math and science education at the K-12 and higher education levels.  Globally, ExxonMobil provides funding to improve basic education and combat malaria and other infectious diseases in developing countries.  In 2007, together with its employees and retirees, Exxon Mobil Corporation, its divisions and affiliates, and ExxonMobil Foundation provided $207 million in contributions worldwide, of which $70 million was dedicated to education.  Additional information on ExxonMobil’s community partnerships and contributions programs is available at www.exxonmobil.com/community.

Teachers in more than 5,000 classrooms around the world incorporate the events of the Iditarod into math, science, and other lessons that spark the interests of their students. ExxonMobil is contributing $1.25 million to sponsor the Iditarod and its Education Program.