How do members of the U.S. National Luge Team get their start in the Fastest Sport on Ice?... through the Norton USA Luge Slider Search, which targets boys and girls ages 9 to 13. Young athletes who want to experience the thrill of luge and train under the guidance of USA Luge national team coaches and athletes can do so when the USA Luge Slider Search rolls into the area. Clinics will take place each day from 9am-12pm and 2-5pm. Participants can register for the one clinic of their choice on either day and all clinics are FREE!

During a Norton USA Luge Slider Search clinic, USA Luge coaches and athletes teach youngsters the basics of riding a luge sled, including position, steering and stopping. Armed with the basics, the young athletes make several runs down a paved street on wheeled sleds. Finally, the youngsters measure their physical skills through a battery of fitness tests. Those who show the most promise at the clinics are invited to train in Lake Placid, N.Y. at the US Olympic Training Center and will be considered for selection to the US Junior Development Luge Team.

The Search produced reigning women’s World Champion Erin Hamlin along with eight members of the 2010 US Olympic Luge Team. The event is free and participants will also receive a USA-Luge T-shirt. For complete information and to register for the Norton USA Luge Slider Search, call 1-800-USA LUGE ext 105 or visit www.usaluge.org.

USA Luge uses the Slider Search, now in its 27th season, as its primary means of athlete recruitment. US Luge athletes have captured over 560 international medals since 1994. Included in that total are silver and bronze medals during the 1998 and 2002 Olympic Winter Games, 25 World Cup victories, four overall World Cup doubles crowns, 18 Junior World Championship titles and 12 Senior World Championship medals.

Scranton, PA: August 18 & 19, 2012. Location: In the main parking lot of the Toyota Pavillion at Montage Mountain. 9am-12pm & 2-5pm each day.

Carlisle, MA: September 22 & 23, 2012. Location: On Church Street in Carlisle adjacent to Spaulding Field. Between School Street and Bedford Street. 9am-12pm & 2-5pm each day.

Indianapolis IN: October 13 & 14, 2012 Location: Wilbur Shaw Soap Box Derby Course (30th Street & Cold Springs Road).

Register HERE