|
Idea to send: |
| Topic | Olympic Development/ Water Sports |
| Content | Develop Oklahoma into an Olympic training and become the world's water sports capital; Association with the Olympic rings would bring global awareness to Oklahoma, and the water sports focus redefine dry and dusty perceptions of Oklahoma once and for all. Specific developments to further this idea include a central training facility on the Oklahoma River adjacent to the crossroads of the nations. This could include an enhanced river venue for rowing, canoe/kayak, and other water sports, a white water course for world class competitions, a interactive Olympic museum, a high performance training center, permanent lighting for night racing on the river, and spectator facilities. The central focus of this venue will make it accessible to all Oklahomans and Americans. Other concepts include an iconic suspension bridge as an appropriate landmark at the nation's cross roads, while also removing obstructions from the river to elevate the world-class status of the Oklahoma River venue and providing pedestrian connectivity to the south side of the river. Olympic training venues could be extended to appropriate venues across the state, with connection to other lake and river resources.
The state of Oklahoma should create the "Oklahoma Olympic Opportunity Fund" to support the development of Olympic-related events, attractions, and initiatives. This fund would provide resources to attract and retain national governing bodies of Olympic Sports, world class events, and training center status at various venues across the state. Oklahoma, as home of Jim Thorpe and other famous Olympians could become known as the "Olympic State" and develop a new global identity that would stimulate economic development while enhancing statewide pride in Oklahoma. This comprehensive Olympic Opportunity plan could be launched and celebrated in 2009, the 20 year anniversary of the Oklahoma Olympic Festival. |
|