With its recent Pre-Olympic bid win, Lake Lanier is once again being recognized as a premiere sporting destination.
Lake Lanier will get to re-live its Olympic heritage with the Pan American Championships May 19-22. The Pan Am is the final Olympic qualifier for the 2016 Games in Rio for sprint canoe and kayak. With an event this elite, it’s clear the glory days are back at Lake Lanier Olympic Park.
Morgan House became the Park Manager in 2014. Before, the park relied only on volunteers. With the addition of an on-site manager, Lake Lanier has kept its grounds and waterways pristine and completed more than 1 million dollars in renovations — attracting more prestigious events to the Georgia venue.
On March 19, more than 3,000 athletes and spectators will make a splash in Lake Lanier’s waters at the John Hunt Regatta. The two-day rowing competition features youth, high school and college rowers from all over the country.
Since 2014, Lake Lanier has hosted the National Canoe/Kayak/Rowing Championships, the National Rowing Championships and, this year, the 2016 Canoe/Kayak Pan American Championships — which is free and open to the public.
“This event will show the world that we are still the best venue in the United States to host important events such as these,” said House.
Lake Lanier has a 3,000-meter, naturally-flowing straightaway, making it the ideal destination for the Pan Am and other world-class competitions.
House says Lake Lanier was selected for the 2016 Canoe/Kayak Pan American Championships over other esteemed locations because its Olympic course is unmatched, “Regardless of the wind direction we may have, each athlete will experience the same advantage or disadvantage whereas, in most other venues around the world, their race courses can be extremely unfair due to wind shadows created by walls or banks.”
Just a short 45 minute drive from Atlanta, Lake Lanier is the ultimate water recreation destination as well. The park offers paddle boarding, fishing, swimming and other watersports. The Park’s boathouse is also available to rent for weddings, festivals and other events.
Whether sports-lovers prefer watching top athletes cut up the straightaway from the grandstands, or want to dive into the rich waters themselves, Lake Lanier Olympic Park is no longer just a piece of Georgia history, but instead an exciting part of the Peach State’s sporting future.
For more information, including captioned, credited, high-res images for download, please visit the Park’s Travel Media Press Room page.