Washington, DC Welcomes USA Weightlifting, USA Powerlifting American Open December 2014

Weightlifting and Powerlifting spotlighted at American Open, Washington Hilton, December 12-15, 2014

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Mar 27, 2014, 12:26 ET

WASHINGTON, March 27, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Destination DC, the official convention and tourism corporation for the nation's capital, has announced the selection of Washington, DC as the host city for USA Weightlifting's American Open, which will be held at the Washington Hilton from Dec. 12-15, 2014. This competition will bring competitors from around the world and will be joined by the USA Powerlifting American Open and the USA Powerlifting National Police & Fire Championships, both of which will occupy areas within the Washington Hilton. It is also anticipated that at least one other sport will join the two strength sports in the Capital.

Just in time for the winter holiday, this tournament will have visions of barbells and bumpers dancing in the heads of athletes and fans alike as visitors and local residents will be able to see hundreds of the best national and international weightlifting athletes compete, as they continue their journey towards the Summer Olympics to be held in Rio de Janeiro in 2016. The events will be open to the public with opportunities for audience participation and tickets will be priced affordably.

"We are thrilled to welcome the USA Weightlifting American Open to Washington, DC at the end of this year," said Elliott L. Ferguson, president and CEO of Destination DC. "We're honored that they have chosen to bring this fine event to the nation's capital as these events offer another fun entertainment option during the busy holiday season."

Destination DC, USA Weightlifting and DC Public Schools are partnering to introduce the youth of Washington, DC to the sport, to follow in the footsteps of DC-based Olympian, Cara Heads, who competed at the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games and now coaches in the DC Metro area. This initiative is in line with Washington's ambition to bid for the 2024 Olympic Games, and it is hoped this program will be a footstep on the way to developing Olympians who will be able to compete in their home city in 2024.

"Given the increasing weightlifting population in metropolitan Washington, DC, USA Weightlifting is delighted to bring this prestigious weightlifting event to the nation's capital. The District's reasonable hotel rates and free airport transportation for our membership, as well as our ongoing commitment to expand participation in our sport within the DC-area school systems makes this city a logical home for the USA American Weightlifting Open, especially as our organization works toward hosting the World Championships in 2015, and competing at the Olympic Games in 2016," said Michael Massik, CEO, USA Weightlifting.

Olympic exploratory committee, DC2024, and Destination DC will provide free transportation to the Washington Hilton from Dulles International Airport during the event.

About Destination DC
Destination DC, the lead destination marketing organization for the nation's capital, is a private, non-profit membership organization of more than 800 businesses committed to marketing the area as a premier global convention, tourism and special events destination with a special emphasis on the arts, cultural and historic communities. Washington.org

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SOURCE Destination DC