Archive for Water Sports
Springsteen, Olympic Trials, Steeplechase In Charlotte
Posted by: | CommentsA great weekend looms before us here in Charlotte! Actually ‘looms’ might not be the right word, since it’s shaping up to be a fantastic weekend. If ever you’ve wondered what there is to do in Charlotte – wonder no more.
Beginning today, our own US National Whitewater Center hosts a 3-day event at their exciting facility. And they’re not just hosting one event – that would be too easy – they are hosting 3 separate events! First and foremost is the 2008 US National Olympic Team Trials. 15 athletes will be selected for the US National Team, with 5 going on to compete in Bejing at the Olympics! Second, is the 2008 Canadian Olympic Team Trials. And third, is the 2008 Pan American Slalom Championships and Olympic Qualifier. Whew! That’s a lot of whitewater and a lot of fun. There is an entry fee for these events. For more information, visit USNWC.org. Take it outside!
Second up for this weekend on Saturday is the Queen’s Cup Steeplechase in Mineral Springs, just outside of Waxhaw. This annual (last Saturday in April) event draws tens of thousands of spectators and tailgaters all eager to watch incredible horses and jockeys compete over brush and timber jumps at a full gallop. Tailgate spaces usually sell out, but the enormous infield can hold an infinite number people with room to spare. Races start around 1pm and last until around 4:30. A party for everyone near the finish line includes live music and food – and costs nothing – a perfect way to end the day. Besides the races, there are numerous attractions for kids and adults alike. Early tickets can be purchased at Harris Teeter. For more information, visit QueensCup.org. Each year, the Queen’s Cup proceeds benefit a regional charity. This year, that charity is Make-A-Wish. We’ll be there as usual – stop by Withers 46 & 47 and say hi – we’ll save a Mimosa for you!
On Sunday evening, at Bobcats – excuse me – Time Warner Cable Arena – Bruuuuce! The one, the only, The Boss! Sadly, the recent death of keyboardist Danny Federici will certainly be felt, but Bruce never fails to inspire and impress even the most jaded concert goers. It should be a night to remember for all. What a great way to end the weekend.
And then on Monday, the Wachovia Championship Golf Tournament begins at Quail Hollow Country Club. The best part of the tournament is that you can bring your camera on Monday, Tuesday, & Wednesday! It’s a great chance to get up close to the pros. For ticket information, visit WachoviaChampionship.com.
With all of that going on – no one can claim to be bored in the upcoming days. I’m going to need a weekend to recover from the weekend! Have fun everyone and report back on your experiences!
Oak Island NC Property
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Oak Island is arguably one of the last great opportunites to buy properties along the coast of the Carolinas at affordable prices. As the nation has seen a downturn in Real Estate markets the Carolinas have remained resilient. That doesn’t mean however, that there still aren’t opportunities around. Check out this property listed for sale and then check out a bit about Oak Island and what is in store for the next few months and years.
Oak Island is approx. 4 hours from Charlotte and getting closer all the time as the roads are improved and speed limits raised.
Whitewater Rafting And Kayaking
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Looking for a way to cool off in these 100+ degree days? Head on out to the US National Whitewater Center (USNWC) for the day. The center, dedicated to outdoor sports and recreation, centers on the WORLD’S LARGEST man made whitewater channel. It’s worth the trip just to see this amazing ‘river’. Beginning in a large upper pool, the water heads down two different channels – both containing adjustable rapid elements – then collects in the large lower pool, and is recirculated back to the upper pool! Rafts and kayaks travel down the channels, and are transported back to the upper pool via a large conveyor belt – just sit in your boat and enjoy the ride before heading back down again!
The center was built to train our Olympic whitewater kayakers, but also for outdoors-loving people of any ability to enjoy. Some of the other activities offered include: whitewater rafting, flatwater kayaking (on the adjacent Catawba River), outdoor climbing, mountain biking, hiking, and a ropes course. Guided trips and lessons are also available.
So – Take it Outside!
Center of Excellence Benefits Charlotte Swimming
Posted by: | CommentsRecently, Mecklenburg Aquatic Club (MAC), along with USA Swimming, announced that the country’s first Center of Excellence would be formed and located in Charlotte, NC. MAC has several training centers in the Charlotte area; the main pool on Charlotte Latin’s campus in South Charlotte, Huntersville Family Fitness & Aquatics in Huntersville, as well as two more in Davidson and Concord.
For now, the Center of Excellence will be housed at the Huntersville location, however it will impact on the entire MAC family and the Charlotte area as a whole. Elite level swimmers will be relocating to Charlotte and become involved in the community at all levels. These athletes will be training for the Summer Olympics in 2008 and beyond.
MAC is a not for profit organization with some very strong swimming programs including a very competitive year-round team, a Junior Swim League, SwimAmerica lessons, Masters Swimming, and more. Becoming a Center of Excellence will only enhance the programs they already have in place.
US Olympic swimmers will most likely be in town to compete during MAC’s largest swim meet of the year, the UltraSwim, held this year June 7-10. This Grand Prix level event is sure to draw large crowds as top swimmers go head to head in the downtown Mecklenburg County Aquatic Center pool.
