NOC wins ‘Event of the Year’ award
Nantahala Outdoor Center.
File photo
The Nantahala Racing Club and Nantahala Outdoor Center announced they have been honored with the American Canoe Association’s 2025 “Event of the Year” award for hosting the 2025 Junior Olympics and Regional Teams Development Camp.
This national recognition celebrates NOC and NRC’s shared commitment to advancing youth paddlesports and nurturing the next generation of competitive canoe and kayak athletes.
Held this past summer on the Nantahala River, the event brought together more than 50 young paddlers from across the country for a week of racing, skill-building and community connection. The program featured age-group slalom and kayak cross competitions, expert coaching sessions and athlete development workshops, all designed to help participants grow as both athletes and stewards of the sport.
The American Canoe Association’s “Event of the Year” award recognizes events that exemplify excellence in organization, innovation and community impact. For NOC and NRC, the honor highlights decades of dedication to youth development and the continued growth of competitive paddlesports in the U.S.
The award was presented on Oct. 18 during the ACA’s 145th Anniversary Celebration and PaddleFest at the U.S. National Whitewater Center in Charlotte. The ceremony honored instructors, volunteers, organizations and leaders whose service continues to shape the future of paddlesports.
Accepting the award on behalf of NOC was Lee Liebfarth, father of Evy Liebfarth, Olympic bronze medalist in women’s canoe single at the Paris 2024 Olympics, who trained on the Nantahala River.
