Nantahala Outdoor Center Local Athlete and Olympic Hopeful Call for Support

NOC - Nantahala Outdoor Center - is supporting 2016 Olympic hopeful Michal Smolen's Olympic journey and hoping that the mountain community and beyond will join in. Smolen's bronze medal finish at the 2015 World Championships makes him a serious 2016 medal contender.

Michal is doing his part, earning recognition as a Team USA Breakout Star of 2015. NOC will match donations dollar-for-dollar up to $12,000 to help cover his training and travel expenses leading up to the Olympics.

Michal took his first strokes on the Nantahala River, and he has grown up paddling at NOC. So please help support this homegrown hopeful. The costs are almost $37,000 to support a world-class Olympic paddlesports athlete. A "Wishlist" section is provided online that breaks down the types of support needed. With support from the mountain community and other paddlesport lovers there will be a good chance to can  get a paddlesports Olympian back on the podium.

"It's so humbling to see the first donations come in. I'm very excited to share my journey with all of you and I'm very honored to have your support on my quest for Olympic glory! Thank you for your generosity and for being part of my team!" -Michal Smolen.

Read more about Michal Smolen and offer your support HERE

Nantahala Outdoor Center  has long been the home to many aficionados, the meeting place for friends and the vacation destination for many groups and families. NOC has been recognized by various media including Good Morning America, The New York Times, Outside, National Geographic Adventure and more. The dedicated staff of folks bring their passion for the outdoors to work every day to share the wonders of the Nantahala River, and all the places to raft, hike, pedal and paddle.  Nantahala Outdoor Center proudly guides outdoor trips on both private and public lands and is a US Forest Service Permit Holder. NOC's Nantahala River location is 13077 Highway 19 West in Bryson City NC.