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From: Chris Hin rg ave <br />To: Scott_ShipleI <br />Sent: Monday, March 27, 2006 11:03 AM <br />Subject: Durango <br />Scott, <br />Thank you for your call this morning concerning the Animas River in Durango, Colorado and our ongoing use of the <br />Durango Whitewater Park for Olympic athlete development. As I am sure you are aware, the Durango Center of <br />Excellence is one of only four facilities in the USA that is recognized by USA Canoe/Kayak for its high caliber <br />whitewater, coaching and achievement record. The Durango Center of Excellence has a record of producing slalom <br />athletes of the highest standard over its lengthy history, some of whom have even reached the Olympics, World <br />Championships and World Cups. Durango is currently the home of USA Canoe/Kayaks National Canoe Coach, Cathy <br />Hearn and specifically high potential athlete John Gerstenberger of whom we see great potential. The Durango <br />Whitewater Park has also been the site of USA National Team Trials and USA National Championships. The quality <br />of whitewater found at that site is second to none, especially when you consider its easy access to athletes and <br />spectators. <br />Losing year round water in the Animas would basically shut down the ability for athletes to train in Durango. Athletes <br />would be forced to move elsewhere as would coaches. The Olympic canoe and kayak movement would also have to <br />look for other venues to host high quality competitions. Losing the Animas Whitewater Park would be a huge and <br />irreplaceable loss to USA Canoe /Kayak and the US Olympic Committee. <br />If we can help in any, please do not hesitate to contact me. Regards, <br />Chris I-lipgrave <br />Chris Hipgrave <br />Olympic High Performance Director - USA Canoe & Kayak <br />301 S. Tryon Street, Suite 1750, Charlotte NC 28282 USA <br />Office: +1(704) 348.4330 ext 222 Fax: +1(704) 348.4418 Cell: +1(828) 508.9475 <br />Email: hipgra_ve,, @usack_oFg. Web: - vyw.usacl�ory Skype: usack -hpd <br />Blog: http:// usackhighperformance .blogspot.com/ <br />3/28/2006 <br />