RIVERSPORT OKC trains volunteers for Olympic team trials

OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) - In just one month, Olympic hopefuls will hit the water fighting to earn a spot on Team USA for this summer’s competitions in Paris. 

"Getting athletes qualified for the Olympics is a huge thing,” said Michael Knopp, RIVERSPORT’s Executive Director.

RIVERSPORT OKC is hosting the team trials for canoe/kayak slalom and kayak cross events at the end of April. 

Knopp says you don't have to be involved in the sport to get involved with the events. At the time this article was published, RIVERSPORT said it was still 54 people short of its volunteer goal. 

"It's a fun way to feel like you're an important part of the Olympics,” said Knopp. "People have a chance here in Oklahoma City to embrace the fact that we have one of the premiere venues in the world for this.” 

RIVERSPORT will train volunteers to keep time and gate judge. There will be two, 2-4 hour training sessions.

"Those are people that sit by the gates and watch the athletes as they go through the slalom gates and make sure they don't miss a gate or hit a gate,” said Knopp. 

Other hospitality volunteer positions do not require training. You just have to be 18 or older. 

RIVERSPORT asks that you register as soon as possible. You can register here or email info@riversportokc.org.