On August 14, 2024, a committed group of ASEZ volunteers gathered at Riversport OKC along the banks of the Oklahoma River for a meaningful Earth Day cleanup event.
It was especially meaningful because for the 2028 Summer Olympics, Oklahoma City will host the Canoe Slalom competitions, which include various kayak and canoe events such as Kayak Cross, at this Riversport location.
Celebrating Earth Day through action, ASEZ chose August 14, 2024, to mobilize volunteers at the Oklahoma River for a targeted cleanup project supported by the Oklahoma City Public Works Department and Riversport OKC.
Over 50 passionate volunteers — including local university students and community members — spent the day combing the riverbanks and surrounding areas for litter and debris. Their hard work resulted in the collection of 521 pounds of trash, a testament to the impact that small groups can have when united for a common purpose.
The event not only helped improve the cleanliness and ecological health of the river corridor, but also served as a powerful symbol of community care and environmental responsibility.
The cleanup drew strong local support. In attendance was Nikki Nice, who at the time served on the Oklahoma City Council and has since been elected to the Oklahoma State Senate representing District 48. Her presence underscored the importance of volunteer-driven environmental work and helped amplify the event’s visibility across the community.
Councilwoman (now State Senator) Nice’s participation highlighted how local leaders can champion sustainability efforts and partner with volunteer groups to strengthen community engagement.
More than a cleanup, the ASEZ event at Riversport OKC became an opportunity to raise awareness about environmental challenges, such as litter pollution, ecosystem degradation, and the broader implications of sustainable living. By mobilizing volunteers and public figures alike, ASEZ helped foster a sense of shared responsibility for the natural spaces that enrich Oklahoma City and the wider region.
This initiative exemplified the spirit of environmental stewardship that ASEZ strives to promote around the world — inspiring others to act locally while thinking globally.
