World Whitewater Event Coming To Western Md.

MCHENRY, Md. (AP) -- The world's best whitewater paddlers are coming to western Maryland.

Members of the U.S. canoe and kayak team are in McHenry Friday to help promote next year's canoe slalom world championships at the Adventure Sports Center International.

The world championships will be held at the center Sept. 16-21 of 2014.

In slalom racing, athletes in kayaks and canoes must negotiate a 300-meter stretch of whitewater while passing through up to 25 gates.

The center in western Maryland features a manmade whitewater course that opened in 2007.

The Garrett County government assumed ownership last year after the center's nonprofit owner ran into financial trouble.

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