The Yukon Quest sled dog race has signed a sponsorship deal for next year's event.

Minto Explorations (ME) has agreed to boost the funds of the meeting's volunteer programme, which comes as a welcome boost to a race which has struggled for cash in recent years.

Event organisers announced details of the deal to coincide with the Volunteer Appreciation Day, which took place last Saturday (August 7th 2010).

ME, which owns and runs a copper mine near part of the race trail, said it is important to invest in its local community.

Georgina Leslie, executive director of the Yukon Quest International Association, added: "Volunteers are a key factor in the success of the race. Minto Explorations is showing their support for the communities and Yukoners who help us deliver this great race for mushers, fans, visitors and Yukoners."

Last week, 16 mushers became the first people to put pen to paper for the 2011 Yukon Quest, which is taking place in February.

Brent Sass, Ken Anderson, Josh Cadzow and David Dalton are among the sled dog racers hoping for glory on the course, which covers more than 1,000 miles between Alaska and Canada.