Wausau becomes canoe destination for the world

The canoe and kayak slalom course on the east channel of the Wisconsin River in Wausau has been described as one of the best in the country.

Next summer, it will test the best paddlers in the world.

The International Canoe Federation selected Wausau as the site for its 2012 Junior Canoe Slalom World Championships. Nearly 300 young athletes are expected to compete June 11 to 15. Wausau hosted the competition in 1994 and beat out waterways in Brazil and Slovakia for a return of the international competition.

According to wisconsinoutdoorfun.com, the competition is part of a push by the area chamber of commerce to shift away from Badger State Games and invest in other sporting events throughout the year. The Wisconsin Sports Development Corp. announced this month it would discontinue the games after 25 years.

"These (competitions) certainly are not designed specifically to replace the Badger State Games, but the impact will generate more dollars in the community than what the Badger State Games has done in the last few years," said Darren Schaefer, executive director of the Wausau/Central Wisconsin Convention & Visitors Bureau.