RIVERSPORT to host U.S. Olympic team trials

Excitement is building as RIVERSPORT OKC plans to host the U.S. Olympic team trials at the end of April. 

OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) - Excitement is building as RIVERSPORT OKC plans to host the U.S. Olympic team trials at the end of April. 

The events will be the canoe/kayak slalom and for the first time in Olympic history, kayak cross. 

"It's a really big deal for Oklahoma City and for RIVERSPORT,” said Elizebth Laurent, RIVERSPORT’s Chief Marketing Officer. “Having these events like this really shows how it has put us on the map, not only nationally but internationally." 

The top athletes will then represent the United States in Paris this summer. 

The hope is these trials will show Oklahomans what a special sport kayaking is and help it grow in popularity. 

"That's what we're working toward.It's a great opportunity for people to come down and see what the sports like and see how much fun it is,” said Laurent. 

Starting this weekend, anyone can come to Lake Overholser and rent a kayak or paddle board themselves. Next week, kids camps with Andrej Crepinsek, who’s been involved in the sport for twenty years will begin. 

The trials are April 26 and 27. The event is free and open to the public. 

"Oklahomans like being outdoors and they like water… It's exciting and a little bit new. I think that people will really get into it,” said Laurent. 

Once RIVERSPORT’s water channels are filled and ready, KFOR will show you how the new event, kayak cross, works.