Charlotte, NC| US Olympic Team Trials Come to Charlotte For The First Time
April 22nd, 2008 Categories: Charlotte Community Reports, Move To Charlotte, Things To Do Charlotte
Canoing/Kayaking Olympic Trials in Charlotte
This weekend (April 25 - 27) the US Olympic Team Trials will be taking place in Charlotte at the US National Whitewater Center (USNWC). In addition to the US Team Trials there will be 5 other international events with athletes from 13 other countries: the 2008 Canadian Olympic Team Trials, the COPAC Pan-American Championships, an International Canoe Federation (open to all paddlers) and the Americas Olympic Continental Qualifier. Over a 130 athletes are expected to compete in the events. The US has already secured spots in the men’s and women’s Olympic kayak events. Approximately 60 athletes will be competing for 15 spots on the team. The US Team will also be trying to secure spots in the men’s and women’s, single and doubles canoe events.
The USNWC opened in August of 2006 and is the world’s only re-circulating multi-channel whitewater complex. The $38 million facility sits on 307 acres and includes many biking and hiking trails, a ropes course, and a rock climbing center. There is also an outfitters store and a large indoor/outdoor restaurant for those who need a bite to eat before or after 
their trip. The actual whitewater course consists of Level II, III and IV rapids and is quite a ride. Trips last approximately 2 hours, including a 20 minute safety talk. For the Olympic Trials next weekend the Competition Course will be closed but eager speakership’s and rafters will still be able to use the Freestyle Course.
Throughout the three day Olympic Trials there will be live music, a YMCA kid’s zone, a Red Bull energy zone, and a USA Climbing competition will take place on Saturday after the trials end. For those of you interested in attending the Olympic Trials advanced tickets are $10 per day or $15 for the weekend. Day of tickets are $15 per day or $20 for the whole weekend. For more information about the whitewater center please click USNWC. To see a map of the course and the facility as a whole click USNWC Map.
I’ll be there off and on this weekend. See you there?
Moving to Charlotte? Considering a move? You may Search All Charlotte Homes here. If you prefer, please don’t hesitate to call me direct, Terry, at 704-351-1519.
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