Sports tourism has recently generated $250+ million for Oklahoma, supporting businesses, creating jobs and uniting communities. Whether that tourism reels in international or out-of-state visitors, or welcomes grandparents watching their grandkids play, sports tourism is a win-win for the economy and for the health of all involved.
Government entities, nonprofits and businesses act as funding mechanisms for athletic venues and camps/leagues for all ages, including collegiate, intramural and adults leagues. If you’re looking to get your game on this summer, opportunities abound.
OSSO Sports of Tulsa and OKC offers Oklahoma’s largest adult (21+) community sport leagues, tournaments and events. Elevating sports through competition paired with social connection, OSSO offers kickball, flag football, sand and indoor volleyball, softball, bowling, basketball, corn hole and pickleball; facilitates company building culture through sports; and hosts out-of-town tournaments.
Mason Williams, OKC Parks and Recreation’s Units Operations Supervisor, says they are partnering with OKC 405 FC soccer club for their new Liga Del Sol summer competitive soccer league for youth, teens and adults. With team members from across the state, the league “creates a community soccer hub at Wendel Whisenhunt Sports Complex,” he says.
Edmond’s athletic complexes are a major hub for summer leagues, competitions, tournaments and regional sporting events. Kids’ baseball and softball summer youth camps are also available.
In OKC, RIVERSPORT Rapids Whitewater Center includes an Olympic race course which has hosted U.S. Olympic Team Trials for Canoe Slalom and Kayak Cross, plus national and international competitions, making OKC a top training and competition site for rowing in the world. RIVERSPORT offers camps for youth and adults, and competitive teams in canoe/kayak and rowing for youth and adults, with some culminating in competitive championships.
The YMCA of Greater Tulsa presents athletics for all ages, all year round, including adult basketball and volleyball teams, as well as Tulsa Community College’s intramural teams. Sports clinics and camps focused on skill development are available throughout the summer. At the YMCA, no one is turned away from membership or program participation due to the inability to pay.
The University of Tulsa offers a range of summer athletic camps for elementary through high school and adults, including everything from soccer to football. As well, TU’s head coach, staff and team are offering five summer basketball camps for kindergarteners through high school seniors. Some campers will play games against top teams in the region with certified officials.
In Bethany, Southern Nazarene University hosts summer camps for children and adults in numerous sports, including equestrian camps, taught by SNU staff, and leagues sometimes play those from other areas. Some camps are for older players and collegiate hopefuls looking to compete at the college level. Participants include those from out-of-area-and-out-of-state universities.
Oklahoma City Community College Intramural Sports offers students, faculty and staff traditional and non-traditional recreation and sport club activities that include competitive leagues, too.
How to Get Involved
Summer sports camps and league opportunities blanket the state through private and civic organizations and cities and communities. Experiment to find your preference and your desired level of competition and then, plug in! Opportunities are endless for all ages and ability levels in all sports, and they offer bonuses like friendship and a sense of community.
