The 2013 Grand Haven Beach Vault will take place July 12-13 at the Grand Haven city beach. The annual pole vaulting competition is expected draw hundreds of athletes from all over the nation and Canada along with thousands of family, friends and spectators.
“It’s a great place to do the competition with the great beaches and water,” said Kevin Patterson, Rockford’s Track & Field coach and Grand Haven Beach Vault organizer. “Combine the competition with the location and it makes for the perfect tournament weekend.”
The organizers of the event have expanded this year to the streets of downtown Grand Rapids. Dave Emeott along with Kevin Patterson are bringing the vaulting competition to Ottawa Street at the intersection of Fulton. The event will take place on Wednesday, July 10 from 12:00 pm – 7 pm. There will be two competitions for amateur athletes from 12:00 – 4:00 pm followed by the elites starting to jump at 5:00 pm. Registration for the competitions can be accessed at http://michianatiming.com/registration/.
Evert Geerlings, one of the event organizers said, “Grand Rapids has always been a phenomenal site for sporting events. We wanted to bring one of the most unique and technical sports to the heart of downtown Grand Rapids…With music, food, and drinks all around it's a great event for a family to come down and enjoy their evening while watching our vaulters soar.”
McKay’s downtown, the newest restaurant on the city streets, will feature great deals to the public during the event. The restaurant, known for their “Pure Michigan” menu is located right on Ottawa and will be a prime location for spectators to watch the event.
This year’s event will feature some of the top athletes from around the United States. South Florida graduate Sean Young and Division 1 All-American Mike Arnold from Idaho State will be represented in the Men’s division. The Women’s division will host Division 2’s National Champion Katie Nageotte and South Carolina standout Angie Rummans.
“Looks like it’s going to be a great weekend,” said Dave Emeott, East Kentwood High School’s Track & Field coach and event organizer. “It’s free to spectators and I would really encourage people to come out and witness these great competitors.”
Admission to the event is free and open to the public. Entries for the 2013 Grand Haven Beach Vault and Grand Rapids Street Vault will be taken up to competition day.
For more information or to sponsor the inaugural Grand Rapids Street Vault and the 12th annual Grand Haven Beach Vault, visit www.grandhavenbeachvault.com or contact Kevin Patterson at (616) 560-7204, or by email at kpatter341@aol.com, or Dave Emeott at (616) 656-9510 or by email at david.emeott@kentwoodps.org.
About West Michigan Sports Commission: The West Michigan Sports Commission’s main goal is to promote Michigan’s West Coast as the premier venue for hosting a diverse level of youth and amateur sporting events, enhancing the economy and quality of life in the region.
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