Hickory Nut Gorge Olympiad, Lake Lure

Thursday, September 4- Sunday, September 7, 2008
Come to the Hickory Nute Gorge Olympiad, a sports festival for all ages in Lake Lure and Chimney Rock. More than 25 competitive land and water events are staged around Rutherford County with medals being awarded by age and best times. The triathlon attracts athletes from 10 states. Some of the new additions for this year include a cheerleading competition and 3x3 soccer tournament. Originating in 2005 by Lake Lure residents, the Hickory Nut Gorge Olympiad (HNGO) is an annual family sports festival for athletes of all ages and skill levels.

Headquartered in Lake Lure, NC, the HNG Olympiad is a 501-c3 non-profit, tax-exempt organization whose purpose is to host and coordinate the annual Olympiad. It is a charitable event with net proceeds going to selected non-profit organizations primarily in Rutherford County. Since 2005, the event has contributed more than $84,000 to community service groups. This financial success is due in large measure to the generous sponsorships by businesses and individuals.

A volunteer Board of Governors holds ultimate responsibility for organizing, promoting and conducting the event. It takes more than a year of planning and more than 200 volunteers to carry out the multi-day event.

With each passing year, the HNG Olympiad is expected to continue to grow into one of the largest and unique family sports festivals in the Carolinas

Competitors who register before 9/4/2008 will receive a free, commemorative t-shirt. Competitor who register at the Olympiad will receive a free commemorative t-shirt as long as supplies last. Some t-shirts may be available for sale on the days of the events.

Athletes will compete in age and gender categories. Gold, silver and bronze medals will be awarded to the first three winners in each category.

The fee for each event is shown in the event description section. Standard events are $5 per participant. An all-event participation bracelet for standard $5 events may be purchased for $10 per participant. This is particularly advantageous for those individuals who plan to compete in more that 2 events over the 4 days of the Olympiad.

Kids ages 5 - 14 may compete individually or as part of a Youth Group (scouts, clubs, churches, Y's etc). Five events have been specified as Youth Group Events.
They are the 50-yard Dash, Mini-Mountain Bike Race, Baseball Speed Throw, 3-person Canoe Sprint and the Water Park Obstacle Course. Points for participation and
medals won will determine the overall Youth Group winner.