The U.S. Olympic team trials are among five international paddling events that are expected to bring more than 130 athletes to the U.S. National Whitewater Center over three days.

"The first-class facilities of the U.S. National Whitewater Center in combination with the efforts of USA Canoe/Kayak and the city of Charlotte, provides the ideal setting for selecting the 2008 U.S. Olympic Team," said Steve Roush, the USOC's Chief of Sport Performance. "The USOC is committed to ensuring that all of our Olympic hopefuls get to experience the thrill and excitement of a well-executed Olympic Trials event and we're confident that Charlotte can deliver on this commitment."

The U.S. Olympic team trials are among five international paddling events that are expected to bring more than 130 athletes to the U.S. National Whitewater Center over three days. The other competitions include the 2008 Canadian Olympic team trials, the COPAC Pan-American Championships, an International Canoe Federation race open to all paddlers, and the Americas Olympic Continental Qualifier.

The Americas Olympic Continental Qualifier will determine the remaining slalom canoe and kayak competition slots for North, Central and South American nations at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.

"Charlotte is extremely proud and excited to serve as host for the 2008 Olympic Team Trials in Slalom/Canoe Kayak," said Jeff Beaver, Executive Director of the Charlotte Regional Sports Commission, whose city previously hosted the 1996 U.S. Olympic Team Trials in Cycling and the 1996 U.S. Olympic Team Marathon Trials. "The Queen City has a well-known tradition of providing quality venues and exemplary hospitality and amenities to the many competitors and visitors who come to our region, and we look forward to making the Olympic Trials just such an experience."

The U.S. Olympic Team Trials are expected to include 30 of the top slalom paddlers in the United States. Tickets go on sale in early 2008.