Elite paddlers will benefit from the new agreement.
UMW has partnered with the American Canoe Association to provide online continuing education for Team USA canoe and kayak athletes.
The canoe association has its national headquarters in Fredericksburg, and it is also the national governing body for Olympic and Paralympic canoe and kayak disciplines.
Because the paddling sports are not represented by NCAA programs, elite canoe and kayak athletes need a different way to pursue higher education while training for international competition. Team members are eligible to take online courses at UMW at no cost.
“We are thrilled that the University of Mary Washington will help our Team USA athletes accomplish both their athletic and academic goals on and off the water,” said canoe association Executive Director Wade Blackwood.