The Peru Gazette

LAKE PLACID, N.Y. – As the top luge athletes from around the world are currently preparing for World Cup and World Championship racing in Europe, USA Luge will bring the thrill of the sport to the masses at Titus Mountain Family Ski Center on Jan. 19-20.

Using easy to maneuver plastic sleds, patrons at the Malone ski and ride destination will get a chance to experience this exciting Olympic sport through the Casella Resource Solutions USA Luge Challenge.

Casella is one of the nation’s leading waste and recycling service providers, serving thousands of businesses, residences, and communities throughout New York State.

We’re happy to do our part to bring the USA Luge Challenge to the North Country,” said Bill Meyers, Casella General Manager. “We’re hopeful that many of our customers will come out with their families to participate in this exciting and fun event.”

Since 1996, the program has introduced the sport to thousands of fans nationwide. Titus Mountain, recognized by Liftopia as the number one family friendly resort in North America, is the second of four stops on the yearly USA Luge Challenge tour.

“Bringing the USA Luge Challenge to a new destination resort represents the opportunity to make new fans and see some youngsters who might not get the chance otherwise to experience luge,” said Gordy Sheer, USA Luge Director of Marketing and Sponsorships and a 1998 Olympic silver medalist. “Coming to Titus Mountain, with its family friendly reputation, gives us immense confidence that guests will have a great time and the luge challenge will go off perfectly. And adding Casella as event sponsor will ensure that this luge challenge will be one of best ever.”

Although the Casella Resource Solutions USA Luge Challenge appeals to all ages, team coaches and athletes will scout the event for young athletes who show potential. These youngsters may be invited to participate in screening camps at the USA Luge training facility in Lake Placid.

Two-time Olympian and five-time World Cup winner Summer Britcher, of Glen Rock, Pa., was discovered in a USA Luge Challenge in 2006 at Ski Liberty in Pa. Britcher has captured four World Cup medals to date this season.

Families and winter sports enthusiasts who attend these weekend events can experience the Fastest Sport on Ice® in a safe slope-side setting, with help from USA Luge Olympians, international medalists and coaches. Participation at Titus Mountain is free, and no experience or lift ticket is required. Registration begins at 10 AM each day.

After learning the basics of accelerating, steering and stopping from USA Luge athletes and coaches, adults and children, age 10 and older, can take practice runs down a track complete with curves and timing equipment.

In addition, fans can enjoy a live DJ/emcee and prize drawings while participants spend the afternoon tackling the course in a race against the clock to win valuable fun prizes from USA Luge, its team sponsors, Casella and Titus Mountain.

Along with Casella Resource Solutions, USA Luge sponsors and suppliers, including White Castle, Minus 33, Yetti and Duluth Trading Company, will send the medal winners home very happy.

Attendees should look for the Casella tent and its signage around Titus Mountain. The company will distribute cowbells to cheer on the participants. In addition, Casella will provide a gift to all 24 winners.

This year, U-Haul will enable USA Luge to make the trip from team headquarters in Lake Placid to Malone with their sleds and equipment.