http://www.charlotte.com/mld/charlotte/15141535.htm
From CLT Observer this morning, read it on the can while causing a class V+ whirlpool.
"The first event scheduled at the U.S. National Whitewater Center has been moved to the N.C. mountains because developers aren't sure the facility will be open by mid-August.
And it's unclear whether a second event, which is expected to bring kayaking athletes from around the world to Charlotte, will have to be moved or rescheduled as well. A decision could be made as soon as today.
The American Canoe Association said Thursday that it is moving its Open Canoe Slalom National Championships, scheduled for Aug. 18-20, to the Nantahala Outdoor Center in Bryson City, about three hours from Charlotte.
"It's very disappointing for everyone involved," said Bill McMillan with the Charlotte Regional Sports Commission, which helped organize the event.
Connie Miner, chairwoman of the canoe competition, said the decision had to be made because "officials at the U.S. National Whitewater Center recently informed us that it is unlikely the center will be open in time."
Members were eager for a chance to try out the artificial river -- the first of its kind in the country -- which is being built in western Mecklenburg County.
"It's a beautiful venue," said ACA executive director Pam Dillon, who visited recently. "We were really looking forward to being the opening event."
The ACA was expecting about 100 participants.
Whitewater center developers had planned to open the facility in June, but ran into a series of delays that included the inability to get a road permit.
County inspectors have yet to issue a certificate of occupancy for the $35 million facility, which is being built by a nonprofit group on county-owned land. It's being financed by bank loans, which were partially backed by several local governments.
County officials are working with the center's developers and hope they can sign off on it by late August, in time for the big competition, said Mecklenburg general manager Bobbie Shields.
"I'm mildly optimistic that they will be ready," Shields said. The county must approve a number of aspects of the center, from safety to water quality, before it can open.
No decision has been made by U.S. Canoe/Kayak about whether to move or cancel the U.S. National Whitewater Slalom Championships, which are scheduled for Aug. 25-26.
"We are concerned, for obvious reasons," USACK executive director David Yarborough said.
USACK wants to remain at the center if possible, rather than moving to another venue, because of the artificial river's appeal to the sport's top athletes.
It holds the promise of perfect conditions for competition -- something no natural river can match.
"The reason they're eager to come is because of where it's going to be held," Yarborough said."
This is f*** ing pissing me off, I'm really looking forward to giving those river guards their first real test.
