Hello US Whitewater Team Alumni and Friends,

Four items of interest in this slow season for slalom:

1. Website.
2. USACK, USAWS meetings in Charlotte.
3. USOC funding cut.
4. Slalom Foundation.
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1. Fun news first: there's a new slalom website,
http://www.whitewaterslalom.us/
This is still a work in progress, rough and incomplete, but there's enough there to be worth checking out. I could definitely use some help in improving and updating this website. Please let me know if you would like to take over one of the pages. (Training Tips already spoken for by US coach Silvan Poberaj.)

2. USACK, USAWS meetings in Charlotte. USA Whitewater Slalom approved its schedule for 2009, and new rules changes. (Single pole gates! Finals runs decide final placings (not combined with semifinals)). USA Canoe Kayak is moving forward with a board reorganization, reducing board size to 9, 4 of whom will be "outside directors," with business, financial, or nonprofit experience.

3. USOC projects funding cut for Canoe Kayak. Though it is not final, the USOC has indicated that it will cut its C/K support to 2005 levels. Two elite US team members may quit in response.

4. Slalom Foundation creeping ahead....
My plans for a combined canoe kayak foundation with separate control of separate sprint and slalom funds were overturned by knowledgeable legal counsel. But, plans move forward for the establishment of a Slalom Foundation instead. We are still hoping to accomplish the incorporation by the end of this year.

Not such a slow season after all, eh?

Happy Holidays to all,
Jamie