Butler County to host 2013 Junior U.S. Open Water Ski Championships

The Butler County Visitors Bureau in conjunction with the Miami University Water Ski club and Lake Lottawatta have been awarded the 2013 Junior U.S. Open Water Ski Championships to be held on June 29-30 at Voice of America MetroPark in West Chester.

“We are excited that Butler County’s Voice of America MetroPark has been chosen to host this prestigious youth sporting event,” said Mark Hecquet, Executive Director of the Butler County Visitors Bureau, “Having hosted this event in 2008, we’re looking forward to welcoming USA Water Ski and their top athletes back to Butler County.”

The two-day event will feature 40 of the world’s top junior water ski athletes under the age of 21 who will compete for titles in slalmon, tricks and jump, and top overall categories. The championship event is expected to have an estimated economic impact of $200,000 for Butler County.

Participants for this year’s event include select members of world ranked youth and junior water ski competitors and five junior athletes from across Ohio including Dane Mechler of Loveland. Dane is competing for his third major international slalom title this year. Dane will compete in the Jr Men’s Slalom and Trick and Jump events this weekend.

Members of the community and media are invited to come out and enjoy the events during the 2013 Junior U.S. Open Water Ski Championships on June 29 from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. and June 30 from 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. at the Voice of America MetroPark in West Chester. Competitors will be available for media interviews at their discretion on Friday, June 28 from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. during practice. The event is free and open to the public.

About the Butler County Visitors Bureau: The Butler County Visitors Bureau (BCVB) is a destination marketing organization dedicated to creating exceptional tourism experiences for visitors throughout Butler County. Established in 2007, the BCVB helps promote the county’s unique destinations through small meetings, conferences, conventions, tourist events, and attractions. www.gettothebc.com