Story by Darl Devault. contributing writer/editor
While Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt announced the city’s new status on the international sports stage, event organizers stress that volunteers will be a critical factor in its success.
At a news conference, Mayor David Holt announced on Friday, March 28, “Today at 1:32 p.m., Oklahoma City time, the Los Angeles City Council received the ad hoc committee’s report and unanimously voted to approve LA28’s venue proposal. With that final approval today from the Los Angeles City Council I can now stand before you and announce that this is no longer a proposal, it is now official-two sports from the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, softball and canoe slalom, will be staged in their entirety in America’s 20th largest city (Oklahoma City). This is really happening; the Olympics are coming to OKC. I want to thank the Los Angeles City Council for believing in Oklahoma City. It is worth noting that no city in the United States outside of Southern California has been given a similar opportunity to host two sports in their entirety.”
The RIVERSPORT Rapids whitewater canoe slalom and kayak cross course downtown on the Oklahoma River will host six of the gold medal events, the men’s and women’s Kayak, Canoe Single, and Kayak Cross races.
The organizers are extending a unique opportunity to the local community. They invite volunteers to help stage events along the Oklahoma River in the downtown Boathouse District at the $100M outdoor sports and recreation venue.
Seniors can volunteer as RIVERSPORT will host many other international events during the next 39 months leading up to the 28 Olympic Games, including the International Canoe Federation Canoe Slalom World Championships next year from July 21-26
The LA28 Games website summed up their reasoning for conducting the sports in Oklahoma City: Canoe Slalom was also approved to be relocated to Oklahoma City, where it will join Softball in top-tier, purpose-built venues. Oklahoma City’s sport complexes are renowned for hosting premier Canoe Slalom and Softball events in the United States. The city will also host a series of international events leading up to the LA28 Games, including the 2025 WBSC U-18 Women’s Softball World Cup Finals.
Oklahoma City’s reputation as a sports hub continues to grow. RIVERSPORT was chosen to host the 2026 International Canoe Federation Congress, which adds to the anticipation of the 2028 Olympics. Stay tuned for the confirmed dates of the 2026 ICF Congress.
“Hosting the ICF Congress is really important to us, especially before the Olympics in 2028,” said Beth Spilman, Executive Director of the American Canoe Association.
Once again, RIVERSPORT event organizers want to emphasize that volunteers are the backbone of their ability to attract international events. Volunteer time and energy are invaluable to successfully staging major events. Seniors can start equal to everyone else because no experience is required. Training will be provided for enthusiastic volunteers who wish to contribute to the success of these international events.
Volunteering at RIVERSPORT is open for the 2026 World Championships, when RIVERSPORT OKC attracts 400 elite athletes from more than 60 countries. This will be the first time the event has been held in North America since 2014.
Volunteer roles include race operations, athlete hospitality, course preparation, and event logistics. The organizing committee seeks volunteers willing to train as gate judges, scribes, and start/finish assistants. Results runners and others will receive training on the event day.
The opportunities leading up to the Olympics are for youth to seniors. Those under 18 need parental permission; youth ages 13-16 may volunteer with a parent who is volunteering. Olympic volunteers must be 18.
In November, RIVERSPORT OKC will host its annual Thankful Banquet to show appreciation for volunteering. Many will receive prizes at this banquet, and volunteers who served multiple shifts will have an even greater chance of winning.
To learn more about the more than 100 volunteer positions, please contact Volunteer Coordinator Ashley Petty at [email protected] or go online to Volunteer Opportunities – Riversport OKC.
“Bringing international events of this caliber to Oklahoma City is a testament to our community’s dedication to outdoor sports,” said Mike Knopp, RIVERSPORT OKC founder. “We’re excited to welcome athletes and spectators from around the world and invite volunteers to join us in making these events a success.”
The LA28 Games are independently operated by a privately funded, non-profit organization. Revenue comes from corporate partners, licensing agreements, hospitality, ticketing programs, and a significant contribution from the International Olympic Committee.
RIVERSPORT is a U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Training Site for rowing and canoe/kayak. Since its inception in 2006, the 501(c)(3) nonprofit has offered community programs and outreach initiatives in rowing, paddlesports, and outdoor recreation. To learn more about RIVERSPORT, visit www.riversportokc.org or call (405) 552-4040.
