Oklahoma River to be Named Official Olympic Training Site

By Colleen Chen, NEWS 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Starting Tuesday, Oklahoma will have an official Olympic and Paralympic Training Site.

Olympic Committee officials are expected in town next week to make the designation.

The main area will be by the Chesapeake Boathouse where head coach Shaun Caven said the announcement is a huge deal.

"In the short term, it means we can start to attract U.S. National level athletes, different coaches and just raises the profile when you say you have an Olympic training site," said Caven, who is an Olympic level coach for kayaking and canoeing.

The designation will likely bring more Olympic level coaches to work with rowing students. Caven said this will give kids in Oklahoma a huge advantage

"As we bring in quality athletes from outside they'll start to act as role models for kid who can then aspire to be that good," he said.

The title will not just help fulfill the dreams of student athletes, but also the dreams of a river of economic success.

"Anything that brings something recognizable to Oklahoma City is a good thing, and the olympic committee, those five rings are arguably the most recognizable symbol in the world," said Pat Downs, Oklahoma Riverfront Redevelopment Authority.

The University of Central Oklahoma is also expected to be named as a training site for volleyball and archery.

The announcement in slated for Tuesday, July 28 at 10:30 a.m. The public is encouraged and welcome to attend.