Lake Placid lands 2009 luge Worlds

CALGARY, Canada -- Luge world championship racing will return to Lake Placid next winter for the first time in 26 years.

The Feb. 6 to 8, 2009 race, which will be the final major championship race prior to the 2010 Olympic Winter Games in Vancouver, was one of 27 races in all disciplines and age classes announced for the 2008-09 international racing season during the International Luge Federation's (F.I.L.) annual Congress held June 28-29 in Calgary, Canada.

The 41st World Luge Championships is expected to serve as part of, or as, an Olympic qualifier for several countries, including the United States. Since the best sliders from around the globe will compete, it's likely that the entire 2010 Olympic field will be on hand, and the race will easily put on display the medal favorites for next February's Vancouver Games.

Glover wins Heart Smart race

PLATTSBURGH -- John Glover finished first in the Heart Smart half-mile run Wednesday with a time of 4 minutes, 7 seconds.

National pairs champs headline ice show

LAKE PLACID -- The Citizens Bank Summer Ice Show Series resumes July 4-5 with Freaky Friday and the Saturday Night Ice Show this weekend at the Olympic Center's 1932 Rink Jack Shea Arena.

Freaky Friday takes to the ice at 4:30 p.m. today. Skaters in the 76th Annual Lake Placid Summer Figure Skating program -- named best summer skating camp for kids by Sports Illustrated for Kids magazine -- participate in this weekly program. Admission to Freaky Friday is free for everyone.

A tradition dating back over 70 years continues Saturday, July 5, when the 1932 Rink Jack Shea Arena plays host to the weekly Citizens Bank Saturday Night Ice Show, presented by North Country Community College. Showtime is 7:30 pm.

2007 U.S. National Pairs Champions Brooke Castile and Ben Okolski are headlining the Saturday Night Ice Show.

Admission to the Saturday Night Ice Show is $9 for adults, $6 for juniors and seniors, while children six years and under are admitted free.

Ski jumpers set to soar Saturday

LAKE PLACID -- It may be summer, but this time of year is crucial for world class winter athletes as they get ready for next season. That preparation is most evident at the Olympic Jumping Complex in Lake Placid where some competitors soar from the 90-meter jump, while others plunge into the 750,000 freestyle pool.

Soaring Saturday features the top eastern jumpers sailing from the 90-meter ski jump tower in a king-of-the-hill format. These athletes, aspiring to secure future spots on the United States National Team, make use of Lake Placid's artificial jumping surfaces to emulate winter speeds and distances.