The Riversport Foundation received a $1 million grant to launch the Varsity Rowing League, an effort to bring competitive rowing to Oklahoma high schools.
The grant was given by the Inasmuch Foundation, and the league is scheduled to begin in the 2027-28 school year. The program will be offered at no cost to participating schools during its first two years.
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Riversport also announced the beginning of a new era in the organization. “RIVERSPORT 2.0” will focus on growing access, developing athletes and building stronger community connections through sport.
The organization’s primary logo will also transition to a new Champion Mark, “symbolizing the competitive spirit, resilience and opportunity at the center of its mission,” according to the news release.
“We are building a pipeline that connects students to sport, education and opportunity while strengthening communities across Oklahoma,” said Chris Sorensen, executive director of the Riversport Foundation, per the announcement. “The launch of this league and the rollout of our Champion Mark represent the next chapter for RIVERSPORT and our commitment to creating opportunities for athletes at every level.”
The high school rowing league will feature boys and girls teams, with student-athletes training both on campus and at Riversport facilities. The season will consist of biweekly races, a state championship event and a training model combining indoor rowing with on-water practices.
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Riversport said it will provide coaching, equipment and race coordination. It also stated that the program will follow a phased funding model, with full funding in the first two years, followed by partial funding in the next two and full financial independence by year five. Organizers expect five to six schools to participate in the first year.
Student-athletes may advance to Riversport’s Junior Crew as a pathway to higher levels of competition. Many athletes in the Junior Crew go on to earn athletic scholarships, with around 50% of graduating seniors taking their talents to Division I or Ivy League universities.
Isa Almeida is a trending reporter for The Oklahoman. Have a story idea for Isa? She can be reached at ialmeida@oklahoman.com or on X/Twitter at @ialmeidasports. Support Isa’s work and that of other Oklahoman journalists by purchasing a digital subscription.
This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Riversport OKC announces new varsity rowing league to launch in 2027
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