Leading figures from the International Canoe Federation were honoured with Keys to Oklahoma City as preparations continue for an exciting series of Canoe Slalom events in the build-up to the LA28 Olympic Games.
The honour was bestowed upon ICF President Thomas Konietzko, Vice President Lluis Rabaneda and Secretary General Richard Pettit during their two-day visit to Oklahoma City.
The ICF leadership team each received the symbolic key from Mayor of Oklahoma City David Holt on Thursday following a tour of the RIVERSPORT venue.
Pending the approval of the LA City Council, Oklahoma City’s state-of-the-art RIVERSPORT Rapid whitewater center will stage the Canoe Slalom events during the 2028 Olympic Games.
The city is also poised to host two ICF World Ranking events, with the first of those taking place next month and the second in 2027, as well as both the ICF Canoe Slalom World Championships and ICF Congress in 2026.
“It is a great honour for us to receive the symbolic Key to Oklahoma City from Mayor Holt,” said Mr Konietzko.
“This is one of the best facilities in the world for our sport.
“The design of the venue is beautiful so I know the athletes and spectators will love it here and it is located close to the city which makes it very special.
“We will have our World Championships and Congress here in 2026 and then we can look forward to using this excellent environment to organise fantastic events in 2028.
“You can also be sure that a lot of our athletes and teams will come to Oklahoma City over the next three years to use this facility for training.”
RIVERSPORT founder Mike Knopp led the tour of the venue which previously staged the ICF Canoe Sprint Super Cup in 2021 and 2022.
The ICF leadership team also visited the Oklahoma City University and had a meeting at the Mayor’s Office at City Hall to discuss funding, calendar planning and stakeholder engagement.
“Our venue will be able to meet all the needs and expectations for the World Championships and the Olympic Games,” said Mr Knopp.
“Everything is being put in place with legacy in mind and that is very important for us, the ICF and the International Olympic Committee.
“For every project that we have undertaken at RIVERSPORT we have always used the term ‘Olympic standard’ and that is carried through from the boathouses to the finish line.
“If you meet the Olympic standard, you are building it the best you can.”
Mayor Holt added: “What is about to happen over the next three years will truly position Oklahoma City as a paddle sport capital, not just for the nation but for the entire globe.
“For the Mayor of Oklahoma City to be standing here next to the President of the International Canoe Federation is the culmination of a dream that people like Mike (Knopp) and Aubrey McClendon had 20 years ago.
“By bestowing the Key to Oklahoma City, we want the ICF to know that they are always welcome here and they are one of our most important partners.”
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