Paddlesports club gets national recognition
Nantahala Racing Club’s “superior performance and program development” earned it recognition as the American Canoe Association’s 2016 Stroke of Achievement Award winner.
“2016 has been the best year yet for the club,” said NRC Executive Director Sam Gaughan. “Our swelling membership and outreach efforts have been matched with strong recognition and support from partners and donors. We’re introducing more paddlers to the outdoors and serving more communities than we thought possible even a couple of years ago. The momentum behind the organization is palpable whenever we get together on the water.”
An incubator for paddlesports athletes, NRC specializes in developing paddlers in slalom, freestyle and downriver disciplines. The club was originally founded in 1989 to support top-level athletes training for the Olympics, but it has recently shifted its focus to developing athletes of all ages and ability levels — the club’s commitment to competitive paddlesports is balanced by a mission to engage youth and families in whitewater sports. The new direction has been recognized by a $25,000 grant from The North Fund in 2014 and five separate grants earned in 2016.
