Team USA Canoe/Kayak teams are competing at the Olympics in Rio, but next year, their national championships will be held in Lake County.

  • Clermont will host 2017 Sprint National Championships for canoe/kayak
  • Lake County expects $1.5 million economic impact

The 2017 Sprint National Championships will be held at Clermont Waterfront Park from August 2-5, 2017 and is expected to attract hundreds of athletes and spectators from around the country.

Tim Engle, owner of Clermont Waterfront Bikes and Boards, says USA Canoe/Kayak officials looked at his shop as a venue during the event.

"Over the past three years since we've been here, we’ve been working on developing the culture of bringing people out in kayaks and canoes and paddleboards and such just developing that sport,” Engle said.

The city worked with the county and the Central Florida Sports Commission. Lake County officials estimate a $1.5 million economic impact.

"This is actually part of our 10-year master plan, and the city is focusing on our downtown waterfront area, so this is exactly the kind of thing that we hope that happens. It will bring in investors and other kind of funding," said Doris Bloodsworth, the city’s communication director.

Clermont is the home and training ground for many elite athletes, including 20 participating at the 2016 Olympics.