Oklahoma City setting the pace for river sports in the United States

As published in The Oklahoman Online here.

I've watched with keen interest as Oklahoma City received accolades for its recession resiliency, balanced quality of life and smart business savvy. I'd like to add one more compliment.

My life has been immersed in river sports. Few cities have connected with me like Oklahoma City. People like cities that have the courage and foresight to embrace something new. Oklahoma City did it with the remarkable transformation of the Oklahoma River — a tribute to leadership.

Oklahoma City is leading a new generation in river sports, drawing athletes from around the world to race in our revitalized river. Athletes have rave reviews for what is happening along the banks of the Oklahoma River.

The commitment to the sport is paying off, literally. For example, Oklahoma City recently hosted 300 athletes for USA Canoe/Kayak Sprint Nationals. Coaches, families, friends and volunteers contributed to the economy during their weeklong stay.

Now Oklahoma City has become the hub for the USA Canoe/Kayak Association. We opened a downtown office and hosted our annual board meeting here. Our aspiring athletes will return here for training before the 2012 Olympic Games in London.

The success of the Oklahoma Boat-house Foundation is being noticed everywhere. From the U.S. Olympic Committee to the national and international paddlesports landscape, Oklahoma City is praised for its visionary river sports leadership. Others study our city's moves wanting to model our success.

Oklahoma City is setting the pace for river sports because of unprecedented public/private cooperation. Local corporations like Chesapeake and Devon understand the quality of life and economic benefits world-class river sports facilities generate.

The city's residents also recognize the advantages. Through MAPS 3, voters have provided the funding to build a river course to international racing standards. Since the MAPS 3 vote, Oklahoma City has been awarded the coveted 2014 Canoe Marathon World Championships.

As in any great race, there are always more challenges to overcome and opportunities to reap. To stay at the forefront, Oklahoma City must meet new needs in a sport experiencing rapid growth. Improvements such as a wind shield and efficient lighting to accommodate night racing will enhance the city's efforts to become a premiere international racing destination. These seemingly small improvements are vital and should be given consideration sooner rather than later, if practical.

I am proud of my connections to Oklahoma City and to be part of a progressive and visionary team shaping a vibrant outdoor lifestyle community in our city. As I travel promoting the sport of canoe/kayak, I tell this city's inspiring story of positioning a beautiful river to be the centerpiece of its revitalization effort. I love people's reaction of curiosity and inquisitiveness — "Kayaking in Oklahoma City? For real?"

It's at that exact moment I am always reminded that life's best stories are not the ones we write or read — they are the stories we get to live.

Jacobi is chief executive officer of USA Canoe/Kayak.