Wilmington, NC: Travel industry partners in Wilmington and our island beaches will welcome athletes and spectators for the Nike USA Weightlifting 2023 North American Open Finals Dec. 7-10. This is the first time USA Weightlifting (USAW) has hosted a national event in North Carolina.
An estimated 1,700 athletes and spectators are expected to travel to Wilmington from all over the nation. Participating Team USA athletes will include 2024 Olympic hopeful Danielle Gunnin, who is coming off the 2023 IWF World Championships; Ryan Sester, gold winner in the 102 kg weight class at the 2023 Pan American Championships; and Meredith Alwine, 2021 71 kg World Champion and 76 kg gold winner at the 2023 Pan American Championships.
Competition events will take place at the Wilmington Convention Center with the first events taking place Thursday morning and continuing through Sunday afternoon. The final schedule for the 2023 North American Open Finals can be found here.
“USA Weightlifting is very excited to be hosting the North American Open Finals in Wilmington,” states Pedro Meloni, USAW Director of Events & Sponsorship. “The city is beautiful, especially with the backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean. The Wilmington Convention Center is a great venue, and the lively downtown area will surely be a treat for our visiting members and fans. We’re looking forward to a spectacular weekend in North Carolina and we’re very appreciative to the city for welcoming us with open arms.”
The majority of athletes and spectators will stay at the Courtyard Marriott Wilmington Downtown/Historic District, the Hampton Inn Wilmington Downtown and the Hotel Ballast Tapestry Collection Wilmington. Complimentary shuttle service will be available from the three hotels and the Wilmington Convention Center between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m.
“We are excited to welcome the USA Weightlifting North American Open Finals to Wilmington and our island beaches. It is an honor to have our destination chosen to host the first national USA Weightlifting event held in North Carolina,” states John Sneed, vice-president of sales & services for the Wilmington and Beaches Convention and Visitors Bureau. “We hope the athletes and their families enjoy their visit and return for future competitions and family vacations.”
The New Hanover County Tourism Development Authority (TDA), d/b/a Wilmington and Beaches Convention & Visitors Bureau, markets and develops the county and its communities’ leisure and group travel experiences for economic growth and quality of place.
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Note to Media: To arrange media interviews with event organizers and to discuss best photo opportunities for the USA Weightlifting 2023 North American Open Finals, please contact Will Edmonds Will.Edmonds@usaweightlifting.org or Pedro Meloni Pedro.Meloni@usaweightlifting.org.
Contact:
Hannah Almeter
Communications/PR Manager
Wilmington and Beaches CVB
910-341-4030 x126
866-266-9690
halmeter@wilmingtonandbeaches.com
