Seeking Next Generation of USA Bobsled and Skeleton Champions in Orlando, Florida

Contact: Amanda Bird, USBSF Marketing & Communications Manager
(518) 523-1842, ext. 106, abird@usbsf.com

For Immediate Release
July 29, 2010

Seeking Next Generation of USA Bobsled and Skeleton Champions in Orlando, Florida

LAKE PLACID, N.Y.-Strong, fast and powerful athletes are needed in order for the U.S. team to make a repeat Olympic gold medal performance in 2014.  Brian Shimer, 2002 Olympic bronze medalist and men’s bobsled head coach, will be hosting a mini combine event seeking the next generation of champions at the University of Central Florida track in Orlando, Florida on August 7th.

“As the head coach of the men’s bobsled team and a native Floridian, I would love to tap into the talented pool of athletes from the southeast,” said Shimer.  “The U.S. bobsled team has won six Olympic medals, and five of those team members have been from the south.  Just because you’re from the south doesn’t mean you can’t help the U.S. win medals in the Winter Olympic Games, so I hope to see you there.”

If you’re looking for avenues to take your athletic career to the next level, don’t miss this event. National team coaches will evaluate results and invite qualified athletes to participate in national and international competitions during the 2010-2011 season.

The mini combine will test athletes’ strength and speed in the 15, 30 and 45-meter sprint, a flying 30-meter sprint, a standing broad jump, and an underhanded forward shot toss.  For additional information regarding the combine test and athlete test scores, please visit the official website for the U.S. Bobsled and Skeleton Federation (USBSF) at www.usbsf.com, and click on the Recruitment tab.

Interested athletes should e-mail Shimer at bsled1@yahoo.com requesting registration information. There will be a registration fee of $10 for athletes that pre-register with Shimer, and a $15 charge for athletes that register the day of the event. Checks or money orders can be made out to the USBSF. Credit cards will not be accepted.

Registration and check-in will begin at 8:30 am, and athletes are expected to be warmed up and ready to test by 9 am. 

WHO: U.S. Bobsled and Skeleton Team
WHAT: Athlete Recruitment, Mini Combine Event
WHEN: Saturday, August 7 at 9 am
WHERE: University of Central Florida track facility in Orlando, Florida

For media inquiries, please contact Amanda Bird, USBSF Marketing & Communications Manager, at abird@usbsf.com, or at (518) 523-1842, ext. 106. 

About the U.S. Bobsled and Skeleton Federation
The United States Bobsled and Skeleton Federation, based in Lake Placid, N.Y., is the national governing body for the sports of bobsled and skeleton in the United States. The USBSF would like to thank its sponsors, suppliers and contributors for their support: BMW, Under Armour, Vilter Manufacturing, Kampgrounds of America, KBC Helmets, Luminox Watch Company, EDAS/Ripxx, SpiderTech and Ferris Mfg. Corp. In addition, the USBSF supports the following charitable causes: American Cancer Society, Autism Speaks, National Breast Cancer Foundation, Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Make-A-Wish Foundation, Muscular Dystrophy Association and Seattle Children’s Hospital.  The USBSF would also like to thank the following sponsors and suppliers for their partner, the Bo-Dyn Bobsled Project:  Whelen Engineering, PPG, Columbia Sportswear, JEGS Automotive, Lucas Oil, Mac Tools, EXA, Lumber Liquidators, ServiceMaster Clean, National Guard, Lincoln Electric and Racing Electronics.  For more information, please visit the USBSF website at http://bobsled.teamusa.org.

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