How your support is changing lives…
RIVERSPORT rowing and paddling programs are supported by people like you, people who want to make a difference in kids’ lives. Every year RIVERSPORT provides opportunities for hundreds of these youth who are looking for a way to channel their energies, a way to connect and belong. Here are a few of their stories…
Corey attends Millwood Arts Academy and is an avid kayaker, but only because he’s one of those “gonna make it happen whatever it takes” kids.
Nobody in Corey’s family ever kayaked before. He didn’t really know what it was when he signed up for a free RIVERSPORT Adventure Camp. He was only ten years old and a student at Thelma Parks Elementary School. The Outdoor Foundation’s Thrive Outside grant covered his camp fees and he caught a free bus ride to RIVERSPORT for the three weeks of camp thanks to an Oklahoma City Community Fund grant. It was an epic summer.
Corey had so much fun kayaking at camp, he let Thrive Outside coordinator Melanie Borger know he wanted more chances to get on the water. She invited Corey to sign up for a Mom & Me event at Lake Overholser. Mom & Me gives moms, grandmothers, aunts and other caregivers the opportunity to participate in outdoor recreation with their children.
Together, Corey and his grandmother discovered something neither of them ever expected – they both loved kayaking. Corey so wanted to continue kayaking – and including his grandmother – Melanie encouraged them both to join RIVERSPORT’s Thrive Outside Kayak League. “When kayak league practice started that August, we always made sure to reserve a kayak for Grandma who paddled alongside the kids,” Melanie said.
Today, Corey is still kayaking as part of the weekly league. He’s proud of his skills and now that he is an experienced paddler, dreams of joining the RIVERSPORT sprint kayaking team. But Corey is being raised by a single parent and resources are tight. Our community has gotten him this far – now we need to find a way to keep him always moving forward.
We have many Coreys in waiting. With your support, we can get them on the water.
More Stories…
Ethan credits rowing with helping him through life. During Ethan’s freshman year, Coach Danny Porter noticed he didn’t have a social group and asked him to be on the team. He was reluctant to join, but the team helped him navigate high school and his unstable home life. The team was especially supportive when his cousin- and classmate at ASTEC Charter School- died by suicide.
Jackson earned the Coach’s Character Award when he was on the kayak team. Jackson was homeschooled and not used to being part of a team but after participating in a summer kayak camp, immediately signed up. Over his two years at RIVERSPORT, he blossomed in the team environment. He was even able to travel with his team and compete in Seattle. His coach says “Jackson is the person standing on the dock cheering for his teammates when others are resting for their next race. He is always the first person to ask if the coaches or his teammates need help with anything.”
Roman started rowing his freshman year at ASTEC Charter School. After three years of high school, Roman was on his own without family support, so he joined the Air National Guard. His senior year, he worked hard to balance schoolwork, rowing practice and his military duties. Since his National Guard obligations occasionally conflicted with practice, he started learning how to coach and served as the assistant coach.
Cynthia was a student at ASTEC Charter high school, and she is a star. She started rowing her freshman year and was a leader on the ASTEC High School rowing team. She became valedictorian of her senior class, is a leader in the Latina Women’s students’ organization and was the first high school graduate in her family.
Yvette is another graduate of ASTEC Charter School. Coach Danny Porter says, “Yvette was a phenomenal rower. She didn’t really take to traditional sports, but she is athletic. Rowing was perfect.” Yvette never missed a practice during her four-year rowing career. She earned the prestigious stroke seat her junior and senior year and was part of the RIVERSPORT Youth Rowing League’s first all-girl boat. Yvette was recruited by the University of Central Oklahoma for their Division II women’s rowing team. Unfortunately, family circumstances prevented Yvette from attending college. After high school, Yvette continued to row as a volunteer with the visually-impaired rowing team.
Shad started kayaking with the RIVERSPORT Junior Canoe/Kayak Team when he was 22 years old. Shad has spina bifida and spends most of his day in a wheelchair. Shad worked hard for four years and placed second at the 2016 US Paralympic Team Trials in 2016. Today, Shad continues to paddle and enjoys kayaking as a lifelong sport.
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, and 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.
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 getting more kids in our programs and on the water! 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.