LAKE PLACID, NY - USA Luge will, once again, open the doors to its fully refrigerated luge start training complex on August 11 for an evening of racing during the WSLP USA Luge Open Start Championships, presented by Lake Placid Craft Brewing.

The event runs from 4-7 p.m. and will feature competition in five categories (boys and girls to age 15, men and women age 16 and up, and experienced luge racers of either gender). Prizes for first-timers include airline tickets, USA Luge merchandise, and more.

There will be three hours of coaching and training beginning at 4 p.m. Members of the U.S. Olympic and National luge teams will be on hand to explain the start and offer tips. After a few training runs, participants will take their one and only race run. Prizes will be given out to the top three times in each category. Athletes will also be available to sign autographs throughout the event.

The racer posting the fastest time of the day (regardless of the category) will earn the right to compete with the top luge athletes in the nation on September 28 when USA Luge holds its National Start Championships.

Admission to the event is $20 per person, which includes a USA Luge t-shirt, pin and one-year membership to the organization. The admission fee also includes two Lake Placid Craft Brewing beverages for those of legal drinking age or two Saranac Soft Drinks for those under the age of 21. Food will be available for purchase and live music begins at 5 p.m....and what better place is there to spend a hot summer day than in a room filled with a large amount of ice!

The event is a fundraiser for USA Luge, a not-for-profit organization based in Lake Placid. The organization is responsible for recruiting, developing, training and supporting athletes so they may represent themselves and the nation in World Cup, World Championship and Olympic competition.

For more information, visit www.usaluge.org

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