Changing Lives
RIVERSPORT FOUNDATION MISSION | We inspire excellence, enhance communities, and change lives through Olympic sports and outdoor urban adventures
The RIVERSPORT Foundation is changing lives. You can see it happening in our community of rowers, paddlers, cyclists, runners and adventure enthusiasts every day.
People of all ages and all levels of ability are discovering the life-changing potential at the Oklahoma River. You don’t have to be an athlete to make it happen. Some changes are character building. Others open minds to new possibilities. And some lead to adventures never imagined.
Kids in our youth outreach programs discover a world beyond what they’ve known. Our Thrive Outside initiative is getting kids from across the metro outdoors for summer camps and field trips, while our OpportUnity Initiative is makes it possible for youth from underserved communities to row on a team in our Scholastic Youth Rowing League at no cost to them or the school. And our veterans and adaptive athletes experience a new-found freedom in their ability to participate – and compete – in rowing and paddle sports.
Corporate rowers tell us the sport brings co-workers together in ways that build new friendships. Dragon boaters learn about teamwork. New rowers and kayakers are amazed at how their new-found skills alter their lives – some with a sense of empowerment, others enjoying the serenity and balance of the sports.
Our Olympic hopefuls train on the Oklahoma River and on RIVERSPORT Rapids whitewater channels focused on competing in international competition leading to the Olympic Games in 2028. Across the country and around the world, athletes look forward to competing on RIVERSPORT’s world-class race courses. The US Olympic Committee has recognized our efforts by naming us a US Olympic and Paralympic Training Site and in June, 2024, RIVERSPORT’s whitewater center was selected as the LA28 venue for canoe slalom competition (pending approval by the LA City Council).
Visitors from around the world experience the thrill of RIVERSPORT Adventures. From whitewater rafting to stand up paddle boarding, zip lining to rock climbing, RIVERSPORT offers plenty of opportunities to get outside and be active – all while having fun with friends and family.
We are seeing a change in the way people see themselves and our city. We are becoming a healthier, more active community – and the RIVERSPORT Foundation is proud to be part of this momentum.
Join Us
It’s not often that you have the opportunity to change lives in such important ways. We invite you to join us in further developing and sustaining these important initiatives. To learn how you can get involved – as an athlete, volunteer, corporate sponsor, donor or member of our community – contact us online or call (405) 552-4040.
