Lake Lure Olympiad Sports Festival August 24-26

Posted on 8.20.12

Story by TAYLOR SASSER | Photos by EMILY FOLEY

With the Olympics over in London, you may feel like you missed out on all the fun. If you think you have it in you, gather your gusto (and family!) and come out to Lake Lure August 24-26 for the Lake Lure Olympiad Sports Festival.

The opening ceremonies will be held on Friday and include a lighting of the Olympiad Torch, tasty beach barbeque, a spectacular water ski show, one-mile family fun run/walk, and fantastic display of fireworks.

This Festival is home to the 2012 USMS One Mile Open Water National Championship, which will be taking place Saturday, August 25 hosted by the Rumbling Bald Resort among the other vigorous activities of the weekend.

This annual Olympiad should have its best turnout yet this year. Kay Dittmer, the Olympiad's chairman, tells of the event’s past success as she looks forward. “The race just keeps growing a growing,” says Kay, “We really expect a great outcome for this year and are excited to see the results.”

In addition to the One Mile Open Water National Championship, this weekend is providing a variety of competitions and activities. “Three Races in Three Days,” is one of the events taking place, which is certainly not for the faint of heart nor breath. This event covers the 10K Dam Run, Lake Lure Sprint Triathlon, and Race to the Rock at Chimney Rock Park. In 2009, 10 people were able to complete this intense race; in 2010, there were 22; and in 2011, 30 people completed the task while the expectations for this year are growing. If you think you can handle it, registration is available until August 21 with a $25 award for anyone who comples all three races.

Involving kids, too, a Junior Olympiad will take place. This event is from 8:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m. on Saturday morning and includes a pool swim sprint, obstacle race, baseball throw, basketball shoot, 40-yard dash, and standing broad jump. At the end participants will enjoy games, and a medal ceremony.

There are also many other activities around Chimney Rock Park and Rumbling Bald Resort that are sure to get the whole family involved. The Olympiad encourages people to take a little time to relax and play some golf on the two national championship golf courses in the area, or even rent out a boat to try your hand at some fun water sports while you are out by the lake.

The annual Hickory Nut Gorge Olympiad regional sports festival is a non-profit organization that, since 2005, has given back over $220,000 to charities. It is run entirely by volunteers and all of the proceeds go to local organizations. Come show your support while also promoting healthy living. 

For a complete list of events and registration information, visit online at hickorynutolympiad.com.