“Reach for the sky because if you happen to miss

you will still be among the stars.” – Anonymous

REACHING FOR THE SKY

Michael J . KnoppExecut ive Director

OKC Boathouse Foundat ion

To reach new heights, you have to go outside your comfort zone. Whether that means leaving your wheelchair on the dock or walking the plank at the top of the new SandRidge Sky Trail, it’s a “yes!” moment every time we accomplish something we never imagined possible.

At the OKC Boathouse Foundation, we create opportunities for people to experience these “yes” moments. Whether it’s providing training facilities for Olympic hopefuls or offering the chance for at-risk youth to get on the water, we give people the opportunity to do more, to be more, than they ever imagined.

The opening of the new SandRidge Sky Trail is a wonderful metaphor for where the OKC Boathouse Foundation is going. We believe the sky’s the limit when it comes to creating a healthier, more active community, for building support for the US Olympic Movement, for promoting our city as a recreational travel destination, and for driving economic development along the Oklahoma River.

We thank each of you who have given your time, energy and financial resources to support the work of the OKC Boathouse Foundation, and for those of you who’re thinking about getting involved – do it now.

You can make a difference in people’s lives.

Aubrey K. McClendon Pres ident OKC Boathouse Foundat ion

The Oklahoma City Boathouse Foundation’s mission is to develop and operate facilities and programs to improve the quality of life in Oklahoma City, pursue the highest goals of sports and fitness, attract diverse involvement in the boathouses and related events that generate a positive public image and economic opportunity, and promote the use and development of the Oklahoma River as a world class urban aquatic venue.

Aubrey K. McClendonClayton I . BennettMichael J . KnoppGov. B i l l AnoatubbyDon BetzMar tha A. BurgerWil l iam Canfie ldDavid CarpenterJoe ClytusPeter B . DelaneyGreg DeweyPatr ick J . DownesRober t Henr y

MISSION

BOARD MEMBERS

Rhonda HooperAnn LacyTom McDanie lA lan MarcumBr yan Pear sonChr istopher P. ReenLindy Rober tsBob RossLee Al lan SmithJ . B lake WadeTrent WardJohn Michael Wi l l iamsRoy H.Wil l iams

The Boathouse District is fast becoming OKC’s “go to” place for people from all walks of life…competitive and recreational athletes, families looking for fun outdoor activities, and anyone wanting the city’s most unique venue for their next social or business gathering.

The Master Plan for the development is well into completion with two boathouses, a finish line tower and new RIVERSPORT Adventure attractions welcoming more than 150,000 people each year. Next? The University of Central Oklahoma and the University of Oklahoma are building boathouses, and SandRidge Energy is sponsoring construction of a new youth pavilion adjacent to the adventure attractions already in place.

MAPS 3 is bringing a $32 million whitewater rafting and kayaking center to the district. Scheduled to open in 2015, the new whitewater center will be one of only a handful of man-made whitewater courses in the world and will be designed to accommodate recreational paddlers as well as elite level training and competition.

THE BOATHOUSE DISTRICT

The Chesapeake Boathouse was the first structure to grace the banks of the Oklahoma River and today serves as Oklahoma City’s community boathouse and the focal point for OKC RIVERSPORT rowing, canoe/kayak, cycling and fitness.

The Devon Boathouse serves as the home of Oklahoma City University rowing and canoe/kayak programs, and is the headquarters for the OKC National High Performance Center, as well as headquarters for USRowing’s lightweight men’s and para-rowing programs.

RIVERSPORT Adventures include the SandRidge Sky Trail, Sky Slide and Rumble Drop; the Youth Zone, our free RIVERSPORT playground; the Adventure Climb and Extreme Air Jumper; and new for 2014 - a Pump Track!

Whitewater! A $32 million Whitewater Rafting & Kayaking Center will be completed as part of the city’s quality of life sales tax initiative known as MAPS 3.

The world-class, four-story Chesapeake Finish Line Tower includes a welcome center, floors dedicated to timing, media and race control, and a VIP viewing gallery and observation deck.

Zip Line! One of the newest attractions to the Boathouse district will be the Sky Zip – an 800 foot zip line across the Oklahoma River slated to open Spring, 2014.

RIVERSPORT Adventure passes

help fund youth outreach programs as well

as elite athlete development and training at the

OKC National High Performance Center, a US Olympic & Paralympic Training Site

for both rowing and canoe/kayak. Thank you for supporting our athletes!

RIVERSPORT is Oklahoma City’s passport to the most exciting activities on the Oklahoma River and at the Route 66 Boathouse on Lake Overholser. Kayaking, rowing, dragon boating, stand up paddle boarding, biking, and running – plus fitness workouts, yoga and more – are all just minutes from anywhere in the metro. Lessons, coached programs, guided excursions, hourly rentals, youth programming, adult sports teams, corporate leagues, group outings, team building, free activities…we have something for everyone.

OKC RIVERSPORT

PROJECTS OF OKCBF

Coached ProgramsRIVERSPORT Chesapeake Junior Crew

RIVERSPORT Junior Canoe/KayakRIVERSPORT Masters Rowing

RIVERSPORT Corporate RowingRIVERSPORT Dragon Boat League

Fitness, Running & CyclingFitness Memberships & Personal Training

RIVERSPORT Run (free)RIVERSPORT Ride (free)

RIVERSPORT School Discover Rowing (sculling)

Discover Kayaking Learn to Row (sweep & sculling)

Learn to Canoe/Kayak

More!Wise Dragons (senior dragon boating)

Team Building and Group ActivitiesField Trips and Birthday Parties!

JUNIOR ROWING – Since rowing first hit the Oklahoma River in 2004, the sport has continued to grow in popularity. OKC RIVERSPORT has a thriving junior men’s and women’s rowing program, and also offers a recreational youth rowing league and a high school rowing league.

PROJECTS OF OKCBF

“I dream of making the junior national team and of competing

at a high level in college. It helps having the college and high

performance rowers training here – seeing them work to achieve

their dreams helps push me towards my own.”

Charlotte McMeekin, RIVERSPORT Junior Rower

YOUTH KAYAKING – With a growing base of local athletes, RIVERSPORT’s junior canoe/kayak team is producing some of the top talent in the nation. Jones, Oklahoma kayaker Dylan Puckett was selected for the Olympic Hopes Regatta in 2012 and OKC native Bria Cornforth was invited to an elite development camp to identify talent to represent the USA in future years.

“I really like the people and the places kayaking takes you. I have

been to Lake Placid. I have been to Poland and I am probably going

to Hungary and Canada this year. I am going to Seattle in two

weeks to race in the Paddlers Cup. It’s pretty exciting.”

Dylan Puckett, RIVERSPORT Junior Kayaker

TEAM BUILDING – OKC RIVERSPORT gets teams working together paddling a dragon boat, learning to row in an indoor rowing tank, or climbing the 80-foot SandRidge Sky Trail. Each unique experience helps improve collaboration, build trust, and energize groups to get everyone on a team thinking – and working – together in new ways. Groups including sports teams and corporate departments are reaping the benefits of team building.

PROJECTS OF OKCBF

“Too many times, groups start finger pointing when things don’t

work. What they should be asking is, ‘What as a team can we do

to make things happen?’ You realize that only by being a team will

you succeed.”

Shari Rostochil, Team Building Participant

MASTERS ROWING – Whether you’re 19 or 91, you can learn to row on the Oklahoma River and join a the Masters rowing team to increase your skills, make new friends, or start competing.

“The biggest change for me is that I’m active again. I tried walking,

biking, swimming, and the treadmill but nothing clicked for me.

Racing in regattas is thrilling – I feel 10 years younger. These people

– my coaches and teammates – have made a real difference in

my life.”

Ray Sears, RIVERSPORT Masters Rower

FITNESS – Top-of-the-line fitness equipment and classes are available in the Boathouse District’s Chesapeake Boathouse and Devon Boathouse, home of the OKC National High Performance Center for rowing and canoe/kayak.

PROJECTS OF OKCBF

ClassesYoga

Indoor RowingKick Boxing/Stretch

Cardio MixCore/Band Training

Silver Sneakers

EquipmentIndoor bicycles and mountain biking

Row, swim and ski machinesIndoor climbing

Strength and cardio equipmentOlympic weights and free weights

“The support I receive from everyone here is wonderful. From the

elite athletes who get here with me at 5 a.m. to the fitness center’s

staff, they drive me to keep coming. I’m currently taking classes and

come every morning.”

Cecile AlBadri, Lost 100+ lbs. RIVERSPORT Fitness Member

SENIOR FITNESS – Seniors are finding fitness and fun on the Oklahoma River. From fitness classes, to dragon boating, kayaking, or cycling, to climbing the SandRidge Sky Trail, seniors are taking advantage of the many ways to stay fit while having fun. The RIVERSPORT docent program, new for this year, and other volunteer opportunities get seniors sharing their time, knowledge and enthusiasm on many worthwhile opportunities.

Paddle strong, live long. It’s the motto of the Spanish Cove Retirement Village resident’s dragon boat crew, and words Oklahoma’s first senior dragon boaters bring to life. The group of 20 formed the “Golden Dragons” in July and raced at the Oklahoma Regatta Festival’s OGE NightSprints in the Paddle for the Cure event benefiting Susan G. Komen of Central and Western Oklahoma Affiliate.

PROJECTS OF OKCBF

“I was the girl in high school P.E. everyone fought over not having

on their team. But dragon boating, I absolutely love. It’s good for my

coordination and my brain power. And it’s very peaceful.”

Eunice Robinson, Spanish Cove Dragon Boat Team Member

OKC Boathouse Foundation Youth Outreach programs engages Oklahoma City youth in an array of activities at the Oklahoma River with a special focus on rowing and kayaking. As these young people become involved, we see them…

• Improving health and fitness levels • Developing leadership skills

• Discovering the power of teamwork • Experiencing pride in learning a new sport

• Expanding their life experiences • Building self-esteem

• Working hard to achieve goals • Becoming excited about the potential for college scholarships

The fulfillment of this youth outreach vision has included scholastic rowing and kayaking leagues with schools from across the metro putting teams on the water for intramural racing, as well as engaging groups such as the Boys & Girls Club and Salvation Army.

Providing support for the OKCBF youth outreach is a powerful way to bring opportunity to Oklahoma City’s youth while bringing the Oklahoma River to life for families across the metro.

CHANGING LIVES

PROJECTS OF OKCBF

ADAPTIVE ROWING & PADDLING – Rowing and paddling can be challenging sports for anyone, which makes it all the more amazing that these are such great sports for those facing physical challenges or disabilities. As a US Olympic & Paralympic Training Site for both rowing and canoe/kayak and a Paralympic Sport club for the development of grassroots initiatives in both sports, the OKC Boathouse Foundation is committed to providing these inclusive program opportunities designed for people with physical, sensory and cognitive disabilities. We focus on individual needs and use modified equipment to get participants on the water in a rowing shell or kayak. Sessions are free to qualified participants who have the option of joining OKC RIVERSPORT to get more time on the water.

At an elite level, the OKC National High Performance Center is the headquarters for USRowing’s para-rowing team, and offers development opportunities for paracanoe, a sport that will make its debut at the 2016 Paralympic games in Rio.

PROJECTS OF OKCBF

“The OKC Boathouse Foundation doesn’t assume limitations,

it sees opportunities, sees the potential first and adds the

accommodations later. There are a lot of activities like rowing that

the visually impaired could do, we just need the opportunity. If we

can handle sports and participate, we can get jobs, learn Braille,

and be involved in the community.”

Tanya Skelly, RIVERSPORT Visually Impaired Adaptive Rowing

OKC NATIONAL HIGH PERFORMANCE CENTER USRowing Training Site • US Olympic & Paralympic Training Site

The OKC National High Performance Center is training the top athletes in both rowing and canoe/kayak to represent the United States in international competition. 2012 was a banner year for our athletes, with the men’s lightweight four, men’s pair and two rowers in the para-rowing four with coxswain representing the USA at the Olympic and Paralympic Games in London.

The OKC National High Performance Center training facilities are headquartered in the Devon Boathouse with training under the direction of head rowing coach Bryan Volpenhein, a three-time Olympian and 2012 Olympic coach who also serves as a USRowing national men’s team coach, and head canoe/kayak coach Shaun Caven, a USA Canoe/Kayak national team coach and an Olympic coach from the 2008 and 2012 games.

More than 40 athletes have moved to Oklahoma City to train in hopes of making the U.S. National Team, and USRowing has named OKC as the headquarters for its national lightweight rowing and national para-rowing training center.

“We have been so fortunate to be in this community. Everyone,

even those who don’t know much about rowing, have been

tremendously supportive and for that we want to say, ‘Thanks!’”

Anthony Fahden, 2012 Olympian

PROJECTS OF OKCBF

“In some ways, blindness has been an advantage for me because

I have to go by what I am feeling in the boat. Some people tell

me their vision is actually a distraction. I take my blindness as

something of a blessing in that regard.”

Andrew Johnson, 2012 Paralympian

CHAMPION SERIES REGATTAS Each year the OKC Boathouse Foundation hosts some of the premier rowing and canoe/kayak events in the nation, bringing thousands of athletes and spectators to the Boathouse District. Oklahoma City’s premier fall event, the Oklahoma Regatta Festival, brings OCU Head of the Oklahoma, OGE NightSprints and corporate racing to the river. The Stars & Stripes River Festival happens annually on the weekend prior to Independence Day and Central District Youth Rowing Championship, a qualifier for USRowing Youth Nationals, is held in the spring. The Oklahoma River has also hosted several prestigious USA Canoe/Kayak events including Olympic Trials for Flatwater Sprint in 2008 and 2012, and the USA Canoe/Kayak National Championship. USRowing events have included USRowing Masters National Championships, plus several elite training camps for the national team. International athletes compete at the Oklahoma River on a regular basis, but never more memorably than in the 2007 and 2011 USA Rowing World Challenge.

In September, 2014, the Oklahoma River will host the International Canoe Federation (ICF) Canoe Marathon World Championships, with an anticipated 30+ countries participating.

ROUTE 66 BOATHOUSE AT LAKE OVERHOLSERRowing in Oklahoma City first began at Lake Overholser before moving to the Oklahoma River. Today, the OKC Boathouse Foundation offers OKC RIVERSPORT programming at the rejuvenated Route 66 Boathouse, creating both kayaking and rowing opportunities at the lake, and into the Stinchcomb Wildlife Refuge – a 1000 acre preserve offering pristine kayaking and rowing opportunities as well as pontoon boat excursions.

HIGHLIGHTSThe Boathouse District has become an attraction for notables visiting Oklahoma City including an array of Olympic and Paralympic athletes, as well as former NBA star and sports commentator Charles Barkley who tried his hand at both rowing and kayaking.

The Boathouse District made its “pop” television debut on the popular American Idol television show which selected the Devon Boathouse for its Oklahoma City judging sessions for the 2013 season. Judges Keith Urban, Nicki Minaj, Randy Jackson and Mariah Carey were joined by surprise guest Steven Tyler of Aerosmith fame in the Boathouse District.

EVENTS

PROJECTS OF OKCBF

Gov. Bill AnoatubbyDon Betz

William CanfieldDavid Carpenter

Joe ClytusGreg Dewey

Robert HenryRhonda Hooper

Ann Lacy

OKC BOATHOUSE FOUNDATION BOARD OF DIRECTORSExecutive Committee

Aubrey K. McClendon, PresidentClayton I. Bennett, Secretary

Michael J. Knopp Martha A. BurgerPatrick J. Downes

Alan MarcumPeter B. Delaney

MembersTom McDanielChristopher P. ReenLindy RobertsBob RossLee Allan SmithJ. Blake WadeTrent WardJohn Michael WilliamsRoy H.Williams

Power 10 PartnersChesapeake EnergyChickasaw Nation

Devon EnergyOGE

American FidelityAnheuser Busch

Anschutz Family FoundationBlue Cross Blue Shield of Oklahoma

Bob Moore SubaruCoca Cola

Oklahoma City Convention & Visitor’s BureauFAA Credit Union

The Gaylord FoundationHudiburg Subaru

Inasmuch FoundationIsola Bella

Community & Signature Event SponsorsKimrayKFOR News Channel 4Lamar OutdoorLove’s Travel StopsOklahoma Army National GuardONEOKOPUBCO Communications GroupProsperity BankSt. AnthonySandRidge EnergySubaru of AmericaTyler Media Group

If you’re already involved in the initiatives of the OKC Boathouse District, we thank you. And if you’ve not yet experienced the excitement in the Boathouse District, we invite you to join us!

To learn more, please contactMike Knopp, Executive Director

OKC Boathouse Foundation(405)552-4040

okcbf@okcbf.org

Visit us online at boathousedistrict.org

OKC BOATHOUSE DISTRICT

725 S Lincoln Blvd • Oklahoma City, Ok • 73129