Canoeing Ireland Attend ICF Congress
The Congress of the International Canoe Federation was held in Rome over three days from the 4th- 6th of November. Canoeing Ireland was represented at the meeting by CEO, Moira Aston, Events and Development Manager, Ciaran Maguire, and recently elected President, Lynda Byron. Attending congress was of tremendous value to our organisation, to both strengthen our position in the international community and to have our voices heard in the governance of our sport at the highest level.
Canoeing Ireland had an extremely productive appearance, forging new connections with many associate National Federations, and consolidating our existing partnerships. The highlight of the busy two days was the appointment of our own Ciaran Maguire to the ICF Freestyle Committee. Ciaran has a long history in the discipline of Freestyle, as both a competitor on the water and developing the sport off the water. We are looking forward to seeing Ciaran help forge the future of Freestyle Kayaking internationally, and are delighted to have Canoeing Ireland being represented within the ICF.
Elsewhere at congress outgoing International Canoe Federation President Jose Perurena received a standing ovation from delegates and a passionate farewell message from IOC President Thomas Bach after delivering his final address and welcoming in the new ICF President, Germany’s Thomas Konietzko. Mr Konietzko received more than 90 per cent of the vote, defeating Russia’s Evgenii Arkhipov in the hybrid congress vote. In his acceptance speech Thomas Konietzko spoke about his aims to unite all stakeholders in the sport to promote diversity and inclusion at all levels.
