Segre Olympic Park facts for kids
The Parc Olímpic del Segre is a special place in La Seu d'Urgell, Catalonia, Spain. It's a fantastic sports center for canoeing and kayaking. This park was built in 1990 to be used during the 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona. It's still a very popular spot for water sports today!
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What is the Parc Olímpic del Segre?
This park is famous for its amazing water courses. It has different areas for various types of canoeing and kayaking. Whether you're a beginner or an expert, there's a course for you. It's a place where athletes train and compete, and where people can learn to paddle.
The Thrilling Whitewater Course
Imagine a river with fast-moving water and obstacles – that's whitewater! The main whitewater course at the Parc Olímpic del Segre is 300 meters long. It has a drop of 6.5 meters, which makes the water flow quickly, like a small waterfall.
Water from the nearby Segre River is sent into this course. If the river doesn't have enough water, big pumps can add more. These pumps can even work backward to generate electricity for the town when the course isn't being used! It's a clever way to use the river's power.
A Gentle Start: The Beginners Course
For those just starting out, there's a special beginners' course. It's 130 meters long and much calmer than the main whitewater course. It has a smaller drop of 1.5 meters, making it perfect for learning how to control a canoe or kayak. The water flows gently, helping new paddlers gain confidence.
Smooth Waters: The Flatwater Canal
Besides the exciting whitewater, the park also has a long, calm canal. This flatwater canal is 650 meters long. It's used for training and competitions where the water needs to be still and smooth. This is great for sports like sprint canoeing, where speed on flat water is key.
Big Competitions Held Here
The Parc Olímpic del Segre is so well-designed that it has hosted major international events. The ICF Canoe Slalom World Championships have taken place here three times! Athletes from all over the world came to compete in 1999, 2009, and again in 2019. It shows how important and respected this facility is in the world of canoeing and kayaking.
Find Out More
- Visit the official website: http://raftingparc.cat/en/
- See a 360° view of the park
- Watch highlights from the 2009 World Championship
- See the 2014 World Cup Finals
See also
In Spanish: Parque Olímpico del Segre para niños
