USA Wrestling has announced that the 2008 Kids Freestyle and Greco-Roman National Championships will be hosted at McKay Events Center, on the campus of Utah Valley University, July 2-5.

This is the national championships in the Olympic styles of wrestling for young athletes in the Midget (9-10 years old), Novice (11-12 years old) and Schoolboy/girl (13-14 years old) age groups.

"We are excited to bring this event to the Western portion of the United States," said Pete Isais, USA Wrestling National Events Director. "We hope to see the competition grow. The Utah wrestling community is looking to develop a partnership with USA Wrestling to help make the Kids National Freestyle and Greco-Roman Championships a success."

The competition moves to Orem after a number of successful years in Wisconsin.

The USA Wrestling Kids Freestyle and Greco-Roman National Championships is the final leg of the coveted USA Wrestling Kids Triple Crown, an award given to any wrestler who wins USA Wrestling national titles in all three styles during the same season.

The Local Organizing Committee for the event will be Utah USA Wrestling.

"Hosting the USA Wrestling Kids Freestyle and Greco-Roman Nationals here is a great opportunity," said event director Craig LaMont. "We aim to build a more competitive tournament. We hope to help find out who the best wrestlers in the nation are."

LaMont believes that Utah can provide the support and accommodations that will encourage more young wrestlers and their families to attend the event.

"Salt Lake City is a major hub for airlines. It will be easier for people to get here from all over the nation. The facility is very nice. We plan to run 12 mats. Every seat for the fans has chair backs and the sightlines are excellent. The arena is right off the highway and is easy to find. This country is beautiful and there is a lot for kids and families to do. We have tons of restaurants and hotels nearby," said LaMont.

Hosting the tournament over the July 4th weekend will provide additional excitement for the competitors. LaMont indicated that there will be an extravagant fireworks display at the Freedom Festival in the community which wrestlers will be able to attend. 

Complete event information will be published when available. Mark your calendars for July 2-5 and join USA Wrestling at the Kids National Freestyle and Greco-Roman Championships in Orem, Utah.