U.S. Olympic team to host tryouts in OKC

Submitted

The road to Beijing stops in Oklahoma City for canoe and kayak athletes.

Oklahoma City will host the 2008 U.S. Olympic Team trials.  The Flatwater Sprints will be held April 18-20, at the Chesapeake Boathouse located in Regatta Park, located at 725 S. Lincoln Boulevard. 

The 2008 Pan American Sprint Championship Trials we determine the rankings of athletes vying for spots on the 2008 Olympic team.

"This is the first major canoe/kayak event ever in Oklahoma," said Mike Knopp, Oklahoma City Boathouse Foundation executive director. "We've established the Oklahoma River as a premier rowing destination, and now we're attracting national paddling events. This is a significant development for our venue and our city."

Athletes will begin arriving April 16 to register and train on the river. Trials are Friday through Sunday, said David Yarborough, executive director of USA Canoe/Kayak.

"With the state-of-the art Chesapeake Boathouse, the Oklahoma River and the excitement of the community, Oklahoma has built a great reputation with athletes, coaches and organizers," Yarborough said. "I'm sure we'll feel an enormous amount of support as we cheer our athletes to the Olympic Games."

Admission to the event is free for children five and under, it's $5 for children six to 12 and $10 per day for visitors 13 and older.

Tickets can be purchased at ticketmaster.com.