FirstEnergy Foundation Sponsors Upcoming International Whitewater Canoe Slalom Championships in Western Maryland

WILLIAMSPORT, Md., Sept. 10, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- The FirstEnergy Foundation has donated $10,000 to help sponsor the 2014 International Canoe Federation's (ICF) Canoe Slalom World Championships, to be held Sept. 17-21 on a unique manmade whitewater course in McHenry, Md.  The high-adventure event is expected to draw up to 8,000 spectators and competitors from 45 countries.

"We are excited to be part of this whitewater competition and welcome more than 300 world-class athletes and thousands of their fans to the heart of Potomac Edison's beautiful western Maryland service area," said James A. Sears, Jr., president of FirstEnergy's Maryland Operations.  "Along with providing funding to help sponsor this event, company employees also will serve as volunteers to help ensure it runs smoothly."

Deep Creek 2014 anticipates the event will generate millions of dollars of economic impact for Garrett County and western Maryland.  The competition is also expected to attract an international television audience of more than 21 million viewers.

"We greatly appreciate the FirstEnergy Foundation's sponsorship," said Todd Copley, executive director of Deep Creek 2014, the host organization.  "Bringing the ICF Championships to Maryland is made possible through the generous support of the FirstEnergy Foundation and other local businesses and organizations."     

Competitors will run gates on the manmade whitewater course atop Wisp Mountain, which overlooks Deep Creek Lake.  Constructed of concrete and natural rock, the 1,700-foot course drops 24 feet over its length and features specialized equipment to shape waves and hydraulics. 

Funded solely by FirstEnergy Corp. FE, the FirstEnergy Foundation provides contributions to local nonprofit organizations that strengthen the social and economic fabric in our communities. 

Potomac Edison serves about 250,000 customers in seven Maryland counties and 132,000 customers in the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia. Visit FirstEnergy on the web at www.firstenergycorp.com and follow Potomac Edison on Twitter @PotomacEdison.

FirstEnergy is a diversified energy company dedicated to safety, reliability and operational excellence.  Its 10 electric distribution companies form one of the nation's largest investor-owned electric systems, serving customers in Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, West Virginia, Maryland and New York.

Editor's Note:  Photos showing canoeists on the Wisp Mountain manmade whitewater course in Maryland are available for download on Flickr.  

SOURCE FirstEnergy Corp.