RIVERSPORT partnership propels canoe sports to unprecedented new heights

A new alliance will place RIVERSPORT OKC at the global epicenter of elite canoe sports. Oklahoma City’s RIVERSPORT Foundation has joined forces with the International Canoe Federation (ICF) and the American Canoe Association (ACA) to revolutionize paddle sports around the world. The historic move was finalized with the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on Oct. 13. 

Elevating canoe sports globally 

At the heart of this groundbreaking collaboration is a shared vision to elevate canoe sports, not just nationally, but on the global stage. The partnership aims to unify the paddling community, expand the sport’s reach and enhance the level of elite competition. Central to this vision is the transformation of the RIVERSPORT OKC National High-Performance Center into a global headquarters for elite athletes and a premier venue for international competitions. 

ICF Vice President Lluis Rabaneda emphasized the significance of this collaboration. 

"This partnership underscores our resolute commitment to the promotion of canoe sports through world-class venues. Oklahoma's reputation as a top-tier host for ICF competitions is undeniable, and this agreement is set to further strengthen its standing on the international stage," said Rabaneda. 

Striving for excellence 

The newly forged partnership is geared toward specific high-performance objectives. These objectives include amplifying high-performance activities in the United States, attracting international communities for high-performance training camps and seamlessly hosting world-class events. The state-of-the-art facilities at RIVERSPORT position it as the premier training facility and a highly sought-after host for major international competitions. 

“This agreement will allow us to stand out on the international stage and elevate our position within the world of canoe sport to the very top level,” said Mike Knopp, executive director of the RIVERSPORT Foundation. 

In the coming years, RIVERSPORT is set to host prestigious events such as the ICF Sprint and Slalom Super Cups, the Freestyle World Cup and the 2026 ICF Slalom World Championships. These events are a testament to the commitment to excellence shared by the ICF, ACA and RIVERSPORT Foundation.