What Rowing Can Do

From the Oklahoma River to the classroom and beyond, rowing is transforming the lives of Oklahoma City area students.

Through RIVERSPORT’s Scholastic Youth Rowing League – familiarly known as YRL – athletes learn the sport of rowing. More importantly, they learn what it means to try something new, overcome challenges, and trust, focus and work as a team.

Many finally find the sport that lets their inner athlete shine. Some find college scholarships and even a life-long love of rowing. 

All find what they need the most on the water.

Jaya, a group of friends. Yvette, a full-ride to college. Ethan, a safe and supportive space to grieve the loss of his cousin. 

When youth are given an outlet like Youth Rowing League, they are learning skills that will propel them for the rest of their lives. Technique and team work. Confidence and character. Dedication and dreaming big. We see the difference it makes in their lives every day.

“The skills that are developed – they’re not left at the boathouse. We get to take them back to the classroom. We get to do the hard work, the dedication to your craft to make the grades, have a pathway to graduate and then go on to college.” -Eddie Wright, OKCPS District Athletic Director

Thanks to the support of our community, RIVERSPORT is able to offer free YRL teams to any school with demonstrated need. The program began in 2009 with 30 athletes from three high school teams. Since then, it has served more than 2,500 athletes from middle and high schools across the metro, opening doors to students who may not yet have found their sport or community.