2008 Gorge Games to be held in Hood River July 17-20

Gorge Games, LLC announced today the return of one of the most incredible events in the scenic Pacific Northwest. The 2008 Gorge Games will take place from July 17-20 with competition held in the host City of Hood River and in surrounding areas in the Columbia River Gorge.

“I am honored and thrilled to be part of the excitement that is the Gorge Games,” said Alan Peters, Co-Founder of 2008 Gorge Games. “This is a truly unique Pacific Northwest event that showcases all the beauty and splendor this area has to offer. It will be a great weekend for fans and athletes, especially the folks that live in Portland, Southwest Washington and for the entire Columbia River Gorge community.”

The 2008 Gorge Games will consist of nine action sports and nearly 30 separate events – Adventure Race, Half Marathon/10K Trail Run, Kayaking, Kiteboarding, Mountain Bike Freeride, Mountain Bike Short Track, Riverboarding, Sailing, Skateboard and Windsurfing. Each of the sports will be led by Sports Directors – each of whom are among the top professionals in their Action Sport and have organized and managed sporting events as well.

“Throughout the process of meeting with past sponsors, community leaders and athletes, we have decided to focus on three kinds of Gorge Game participants: professional athletes, people that fit a weekend-warrior profile and average folks and their families that want to experience the beauty of the Columbia Gorge and see Action Sports for the first time,” said Joshua Ryan, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of 2008 Gorge Games.

It’s the public’s chance to see one of the most incredible action packed sporting events in the Pacific Northwest. The wild rivers, pristine forests and the challenges of the Columbia River Gorge itself make for the most extreme environment possible for action sport athletes, and amazing experience for fans.

It’s an authentic and unique Pacific Northwest experience.

Teaching children about Action Sports and encouraging young people to engage in healthy lifestyles is one of the core missions of the Gorge Games.

“To accomplish our goals for our youth, we have scheduled a week of Action Sports training camps to permit children and teens to participate in safe Action Sports and get passionate about their sport of choice,” said Ryan.

We are excited to be able to offer clinics throughout the Gorge Games including hands-on, real-life experience with some of the greatest professionals on earth.

Another highlight of the 2008 Gorge Games is Adventure Village in the Port of Hood River which will be the hub of activity all weekend long. It will feature live open air concerts, including some of the region’s premier musical acts and bands, interactive competitions and numerous social events. In addition, guests and patrons will be able to enjoy what the city of Hood River has to offer with planned activities downtown each night.

The official website of the Gorge Games, www.gorgegames.net debuts on March 6 with links to each of the action sports. Registration for both athletes and volunteers will be available on the site beginning March 21.