Prague & the Canoe Slalom World Championships

MEDIA CONTACT:

Todd Copley

Executive Director, Deep Creek 2014

The 2014 International Canoe Federation’s

Whitewater Kayak Slalom WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

301-387-3700

Deep Creek 2014 Accepts ICF Flag at Closing Ceremonies of
2013 World Championships in Prague, Czech Republic

PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC–  September 18, 2013 –  Deep Creek 2014 formally took charge of the International Canoe Federation’s 2014 Canoe Slalom World Championships earlier this week by accepting the ICF flag at the closing ceremonies of this year’s World Championships in Prague, Czech Republic.

Todd Copley of Deep Creek 2014 and Joe Jacobi of USACK accept the ICF flag in Prague, Czech Republic

Accepting on behalf of Deep Creek 2014, the State of Maryland and the people of Garrett County, Maryland were Joe Jacobi, CEO of USA Canoe Kayak and Todd Copley, the Executive Director of Deep Creek 2014.  The flag will now travel back across the ocean to the United States and will remain in Maryland through the completion of the 2014 World Championships scheduled for September 16-21, 2014.

This will be the first time the Canoe Slalom World Championships will return to the U.S. in 25 years and only the second time in the history of the event. In 1989, Garrett County, Maryland hosted the 1989 world championships on the Savage River and will once again play host at the Adventure Sports Center International whitewater course located in McHenry, MD.

“This is an amazing moment for Garrett County,” exclaimed Todd Copley after the ceremony.  “I am so proud to accept this flag on behalf of the United States of America, Maryland and the Deep Creek 2014 Host Organizing Committee,” he continued. “Canoe Slalom is an Olympic-level event showcasing world class athletes and those athletes are going to be competing in Garrett County, Maryland. This year the Worlds were held in Prague and next year they will be held in London.”

The largest inbound sporting event to the United States in 2014, the 2014 ICF Canoe Slalom World Championships will bring tremendous international focus on Maryland’s scenic western-most county with 300 athletes from over 40 international countries competing and an estimated 21.5 million international broadcast television viewers around the world. More than 30,000 spectators are expected in Garrett County to watch the event and provide an approximated $20 million dollar regional economic impact.

Terry Hasseltine, Executive Director of the Maryland Office of Sports, agreed, stating, "The 2014 ICF Canoe Slalom World Championships coming to Deep Creek is a tremendous opportunity for ASCI, Garrett County, Maryland and the entire region.  The Worlds continue to enhance our efforts to ensure Maryland has a significant presence in the sports space regionally, nationally and internationally. In addition, the World Championships positive effects and legacy on Maryland and Garrett County's economy, quality of life and brand positioning will be felt for many years post 2014 as well.”

Deep Creek 2014 along with the United States World Championships delegation have spent the past week as observers at this year’s World Championships. The purpose of the delegation was to validate Deep Creek 2014’s planning up to this point and receive approval from the ICF with regards to the competition schedule.  Another objective was to create awareness in Europe about the 2014 event and market the United States, Maryland, and Garrett County as a great place to come and spend time next year as part of the event. 

Deep Creek Lake is Maryland’s largest fresh-water lake and is Garrett County’s most well-known feature. For those looking to visit the Deep Creek Lake area and Garrett County during the 2014 event, the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce is offering special Book Early, Stay Late lodging packages for those wanting to spend extra time in Garrett County before or after the event; please see the full list of lodging options in our Book Early, Stay Late brochure available online at www.visitdeepcreek.com. At the visitdeepcreek.com site, visitors will also find information on Garrett County activities, attractions, dining, shopping and more. Visitors may also 1-888-387-5237.

For more information, about the Deep Creek 2014 ICF Canoe Slalom World Championships, please visit www.deepcreek2014.com. For more information about Adventure Sports Center International, the host site of Deep Creek 2014, please visit www.adventuresportscenter.com.

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