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f <br />international races such as the Champion and Eddie Bauer Slalom Series, freestyle and <br />downriver competitions attracting paddlers from around the world, plus local and <br />regional races including the Colorado High School Series and the Colorado Cup Series. <br />Paddlers have been training here in Durango year -round for at least two decades, <br />preparing on the Animas River on a daily or twice -daily program even in the coldest <br />months to represent Durango and the US in competition and ground - breaking river <br />exploration around the world. In the last 5 years, I have coached paddlers on the Animas <br />in Durango during every month of the year, and have hosted training camps monthly <br />from October through April attracting paddlers from outside Durango as well as coaches <br />who come to develop their coaching skills with the help of local experts. I developed the <br />US Coaches Education program for slalom here in Durango on the Animas River, a <br />program which I continue in my job as National Team Coach and which attracts coaches <br />from around the US. Durango is a regular stop on the schedule of these Coaches' <br />Symposia, including one scheduled in conjunction with the Colorado High School Series <br />here in April. Of course day -to -day training, intensive camps and competition occur <br />throughout the warmer months as well. <br />I believe that Durango, by way of the Animas River, has the capacity to develop Olympic <br />medalists in whitewater slalom. We have the kids, the environment and the supportive <br />community needed to make this happen. Water is the most essential part of the equation. <br />Thanks to all who share this vision. <br />Cathy Hearn <br />Cathy Hearn <br />USA Canoe Kayak <br />Coach, Canoe Slalom <br />www.usack.org <br />mobile: 970 779 0991 <br />