POLK CITY, Fla. — USA Water Ski today announced that the 2003 World Junior and Senior Barefoot Water Ski Championships, sponsored by Central Florida's Polk County Sports Marketing, will be held Oct. 7-12 at the Cypress Gardens theme park in Winter Haven, Fla. Hosted by the West Florida Water Ski Club, the biennial event will feature barefoot competition in slalom, tricks and jumping.

"We are thrilled to hold the 2003 World Junior and Senior Barefoot Water Ski Championships in central Florida — the water ski capitol of the world," said Steve McDermeit, USA Water Ski's executive director. "Over the years, Cypress Gardens has helped to institutionalize many disciplines of water skiing through its cutting-edge show ski venue. It is only fitting that one of the world's greatest barefoot competitions be held at this sport-friendly, spectator-friendly theme park."

More than 70 of the world's top junior and senior barefoot athletes from 12 countries are expected to compete in the event. In 2001, the U.S. Junior Barefoot Water Ski Team tallied 5,694.60 points to win the Junior Worlds in Otaki, New Zealand, while the U.S. Senior Barefoot Team finished runner-up to Australia in the 2001 Senior Worlds.