FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 1, 2012
For more information:
Tallie Mattson
360-750-1553 Ext 19
sports@visitvancouverusa.com
VANCOUVER USA TO HOST 2012 NAIA CROSS COUNTRY
NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS FOURTH YEAR IN A ROW
Free event -More than 1280 U.S. and Canadian student athletes to participate in races
VANCOUVER, Wash. - More than 1280 collegiate athletes are expected to compete Nov. 17 at the Fort Vancouver National Historic Site for the 2012 National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) Cross Country National Championships.
"This is a wonderful opportunity to showcase Fort Vancouver's versatility in event hosting," said Kim Bennett, president and CEO of Vancouver USA Regional Tourism Office. "We are thrilled to host a national-level championship event at the Fort, as well as promote Vancouver USA's destination and amenities to young athletes."
Athletes will run strategically in a rolling, demanding course consisting of mainly grass and a couple of challenging hills. The course is well received nationally and gives the necessary variation expected in a national championship competition. The women will run a 5k, while the men take on an 8k.
"We are extremely excited to be back in Vancouver," said Rob Cashell, commissioner of the Cascade Collegiate Conference. "Vancouver is a great host city and enjoyed by both the athletes and coaches."
Race times are set for 10:30 a.m. PST (women) and 11:45 a.m. PST (men), and admission is free to cheer along your team. The championships are co-hosted by the Cascade Collegiate Conference and Concordia University.
The Fort Vancouver National Historic Site's history of hosted cross country events dates back to 2001's USA Men's and Women's National Championships/World Cross Country Trials.
About Vancouver USA Regional Sports Commission
The Vancouver USA Regional Sports Commission, a division of the Vancouver USA Regional Tourism Office, works to promote Vancouver USA and Clark County, Washington, as a sports event destination, while positively influencing the quality of life and economic vitality in Clark County. For more information call 360-750-1553, or visit www.VancouverUSAsports.com.
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