USA Luge hosted an evening of racing at their fully refrigerated luge start training complex on Aug. 20 during the WSLP USA Luge Open Start Championships, presented by Lake Placid Craft Brewing. There were competitions in five categories: 15 and under boys and girls, men and women age 16 and up, and experienced luge racers. The event included three hours of coaching and training by the USA Luge team members, who offered tips and explained the luge starting process. How cool is that?! (pun intended)

The event was a fundraiser for this not-for-profit organization, with a $20 entrance fee, and those who participated received a USA Luge t-shirt, pin and a one-year membership in the organization. USA Luge recruits, develops, trains and supports athletes to represent themselves and the nation in World Cup, World Championship and Olympic competitions.

"The USA Luge Open Start Championship was a success on a few levels. First, the event helped draw attention to our athletes and the sport in the middle of the busy summer tourist season here in Lake Placid. Second, it gave the public a chance to experience luge for themselves. Finally, events like the Open Start Championships, along with support from sponsors like World Financial Group, help to fund our athletes and programs,” Gordy Sheer, Director of Marketing and Sponsorship for USA Luge, noted about the event.

Also that day, Saranac Soft Drinks supported the USA Luge Slider Search in Utica, N.Y. for kids between 11 and 14. At this free event, participants could try the sport out on wheels, and received a t-shirt. Members of the USA Luge Junior Development Team — Marissa Cornelius, Shannon Knapp, Katherine Shelhamer and Hannah Miller — were on hand to help with the event.

For more information about the fastest sport on ice, visit the USA Luge website at www.usaluge.org. For more information about World Financial Group, visit www.worldfinancialgroup.com.

Stay tuned to WFG Sports for more information about the USA Luge team.