In September, citizens and neighbors of Gainesville will host more than 70 nations, 1,250 athletes and thousands of fans at the 2003 World Canoe/Kayak Championships.

This international Olympic qualifying event will be the first ever held in the United States, and is the major qualifying event for the 2004 Summer Olympic Games to be held in Athens, Greece.

The Lake Lanier Olympic Center first served as host to the 1996 Centennial Olympic Games as the flatwater canoe and kayak-racing venue. With more than 70 participating countries, this massive event is considered the largest World Championship ever! Connie Hagler, executive director of Lanier Canoe 2003, organizers of the upcoming event, says the Lake Lanier Olympic Center is a living legacy of the Atlanta Olympics. "Community support for this facility and for this sport has been overwhelming. In a way, it's as if the Olympics never left."