Aurora to host USA Weightlifting National Junior Championships in conjunction with inaugural Aurora Sports Festival

This USOC (U.S. Olympic Committee) sanctioned competition will be held in conjunction with the city’s inaugural Aurora Sports Festival at the Crowne Plaza, Denver International Airport Convention Center.

In addition to the 2014 USA Weightlifting National Junior Championships, the Aurora Sports Festival will also feature the following competitive events:

• Colorado State High School Powerlifting Championships (Saturday)
• North American Powerlifting Federation Pro Invitational Benchpress Championships (Saturday)
• Rocky Mountain Lifting Club Powerlifting Championships – sanctioned by USA Powerlifting (Sunday)
• “Survival of the Fittest” CrossFit Competition, hosted by Devil Dogg CrossFit (Friday – Sunday)

“USA Weightlifting is thrilled to hold our 2014 National Junior Championships in Aurora this year,” said USAW CEO Michael Massik. “We know that Aurora is a great sports town, and this multi-sport event will be a treat for all sports fans.”

Aurora Sports Festival founder Dan Gaudreau is also the owner of the Aurora-based Rocky Mountain Lifting Club and a world powerlifting champion. “Our vision for the Aurora Sports Festival is that it will reflect the annual Arnold Sports Festival in Columbus, Ohio, but on a smaller scale,” said Gaudreau. Gaudreau anticipates this inaugural festival will draw as many as 1000 participants across the event’s disciplines and competitions.

In addition to the competitions, there will be a tradeshow area with exhibits and booths open to the public. Vendors interested in exhibiting at the show can request additional information by visiting www.AuroraSportsFestival.com.

Individuals or teams interested in participating in the festival’s competitions can find additional information at either www.AuroraSportsFestival.com, or www.teamusa.org/USA-Weightlifting.

Admission for the Aurora Sports Festival will be just $8 per day for adults, or $20 for a three-day admission ticket. Kids ages 12 and under are free.

USA Weightlifting is the National Governing Body (NGB) for Weightlifting in the United States, a fully recognized member of the International Weightlifting Federation and the United States Olympic Committee. USA Weightlifting has responsibility for all sanctioned weightlifting events, athletes and activity in the United States inclusive of providing athletes to the Olympic Games, Pan-American Games, Youth Olympic Games, World University Games and World Weightlifting Championships.

For more information on Aurora, upcoming events or meeting facilities, visit www.VisitAurora.com or call 303-326-8698.