The world of competitive paddling returns to Lake Lanier this weekend with the Pan American Championships canoe and kayaking event, set Thursday through Sunday at Lake Lanier Olympic Park off Clarks Bridge Road.

Opening ceremonies are scheduled for 6 p.m. today at Brenau University’s Pearce Auditorium, 202 Boulevard, Gainesville.

Gov. Nathan Deal is scheduled to be on hand to welcome athletes from North, Central and South America to the Games, which will serve as a qualifier in some events for the summer Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro. The ceremonies will included a parade of nations, performances by Brazilian dancers and music by Grammy Award winner Mike Farris.

VIP passes are on sale online for $50, and include a reserved seat at an opening reception at Grace Episcopal Church, 422 Brenau Ave., from 4:45-5:30 p.m., then admission to the opening ceremonies. Also included is VIP hospitality for the competitive events at Lake Lanier Olympic Park.

For more information, visit www.lakelanierolympicvenue.org.