In June of this year, the Four Seasons Curling Club at Fogerty Arena was named an official U.S. Olympic Training Site. Fogerty Arena is the 18th Olympic Training Site in the United States and the first of its kind in Minnesota. It is the only U.S. Olympic Training Site dedicated to the sport of curling.

The goal of Fogerty Arena, which is also the national training center for USA Curling, is to help athletes achieve Olympic success, and provide affordable community athletics for all.

A community celebration of this designation will take place on Sat., Aug. 15. The public is invited to attend and all events are free. The festivities will include an open-to-the-public press conference and training site unveiling at 11:00 a.m., appetizers and social hour at noon, and open curling from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. All are welcome, and U.S. Olympians and world-class curlers will be on hand to teach people how to curl. Experienced curlers are also encouraged to curl, and youth attendance is encouraged. Part of the event will also be an Olympic Day celebration.

Attendees who have marked their calendars include U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar, U.S. Senator Al Franken, Congressman Tom Emmer, Mayor Tom Ryan, Anoka County Attorney Tony Palumbo, Councilmember Dave Clark, representatives from the U.S. Olympic Committee, USA Curling, and several U.S. Olympic curlers to help with the 1:00-3:00 open curling. Also in attendance will be Olympic and NHL ice hockey player and Blaine native, David Backes.

Fogerty Arena is located at 9250 Lincoln St. NE, Blaine, MN. For questions call Regan Birr at 763-780-3328 ext. 18 or go to www.fourseasonscurlingclub.com.