RIVERSPORT Foundation announces a four-year partnership with SSM Health Oklahoma as RIVERSPORT’s official Primary Medical Partner. The designation includes support for athletes training for the 2028 Olympic Canoe Slalom events in Oklahoma City, along with expanded services for RIVERSPORT’s rowing programs and the OKC National High Performance Center.
As part of the partnership, SSM Health Oklahoma will provide medical expertise and support services to help ensure athlete safety, performance and recovery across RIVERSPORT programs. The partnership is expected to play a key role as Oklahoma City prepares to host Olympic canoe slalom events in 2028.
“This partnership with SSM Health represents a major step forward for our athletes and our mission,” said Mike Knopp, founder of RIVERSPORT Foundation. “Having a trusted medical partner at this level ensures our athletes have access to high-quality care as they train and compete, especially as we look ahead to the 2028 Olympic Games in Oklahoma City.”
In addition to supporting elite canoe slalom athletes, SSM Health Bone & Joint will contribute to the continued growth and development of RIVERSPORT’s rowing programs and provide resources for the OKC National High Performance Center.
“As Oklahoma City prepares for the 2028 Olympic Games, access to exceptional medical support is critical,” said Joe Hodges, SSM Health Chief Operations Executive and Regional President, Oklahoma and Mid-Missouri. “Through this partnership, our sports medicine team is pleased to support performance, recovery, and long term athlete wellness at RIVERSPORT while expanding opportunities for youth and community engagement in healthy outdoor activities.”
To mark the launch of this partnership, RIVERSPORT Foundation and SSM Health hosted a joint announcement on Friday morning, May 1, at the Devon Boathouse. Thise special event brought together leadership from both organizations to share more about the collaboration and its impact on the community with local media partners.
If you have any questions on the partnership, please email Nick Dorety at nicholas.dorety@ssmhealth.com, Marketing & Communications.
Learn more about RIVERSPORT in Oklahoma City
Located in Oklahoma City, RIVERSPORT has been announced as the venue for Canoe Slalom and Kayak Cross for the LA28 Olympic Games. RIVERSPORT is a US Olympic and Paralympic Training Site for both rowing and canoe/kayak. The organization has hosted numerous national and international canoe/kayak race events since its inception in 2006. Upcoming international events include the ICF Canoe Slalom World Ranking events in 2026 and 2027 and the 2026 ICF Canoe Slalom World Championships.
