Clermont to host 2017 USA Canoe/Kayak Sprint National Championship

The 2017 USA Canoe/Kayak Sprint National Championships will be held at Waterfront Park, Clermont, on August 2-5. Opening ceremonies will be hosted at the Highlander Building on Tuesday, August 1st at 4:30 pm with Native American dancers and opening remarks by Clermont Mayor, Gail Ash and City Manager, Darren Gray.

“We’re thrilled to share the best inland beach venue in Central Florida with all of the athletes, coaching staffs, families and fans, and we encourage our local community to fill Waterfront Park to cheer on these deserving teams”, said City Manager, Darren Gray.

“Hosting this event is huge for Lake County and Clermont”, exclaimed Commissioner Sean Parks. “I want to personally extend a warm welcome to all of the canoers and kayakers who will be visiting Lake County and Clermont.” He went on to congratulate Clermont, Lake County and the Central Florida Sports Commission in working together to fulfill the vision for the Clermont Boathouse.

The USA Canoe/Kayak Sprint National Championships is expected to attract over 1,500 visitors and athletes from Hawaii, Puerto Rico and USA.

Melinda Mack, Race Director described the spirit of athleticism saying, “At this year’s event, we will honor the past through the roots of our sport and focus on the future as we celebrate the spirit of athleticism at every level. Our dreams lie within each of our athletes and we hope to pay tribute to their hard work and dedication through hosting an event that celebrates them”.

Jason Siegel, Central Florida Sports Commission’s Interim President & CEO gave the event a thumbs up. “We are thrilled to welcome USA Canoe Kayak and their Sprint Nationals event to the City of Clermont and Lake County. We are very pleased for our partners and excited to host this wonderful group of athletes to participate at Lake Minneola. Thank you to the leadership team from the South Florida Canoe Kayak Club for all of their hard work. We’re looking forward to a tremendous event”, said Siegel.

Canoe Sprint has been a medal sport in the Olympics for men since 1936. Women will get their chance to compete for Olympic medals in canoe events beginning with the 2020 Summer Games in Tokyo.

Several cities, in addition to Clermont, were vying to host the championships. Officials visited the potential host venues and evaluated each one. Clermont was chosen as the Choice of these Champions!