The International Canoe Federation has unveiled a series of partnerships as it prepares for the 2024 season.
Joining existing partners Braca-sport, Dansprint, Nelo and Plastex are new Gold-level Partners: Hangzhou Kayford Branding Company, Hua Ao Boats, Ironmaster, Osah Drypak, and Peishing. Additionally, the federation continues to strengthen its strategic initiatives with industry leaders Alibaba and Deloitte.
Prowave and Sports Camps have both decided to strengthen their engagements with the federation and step up to Silver-level Partners, while Anjana Marine Sports and the Peace and Sport Foundation also continue.
“ICF’s mission to create a cohesive global paddle sports community presents an ideal opportunity for partner brands to connect with a passionate audience united by their love of the sport,” said Stuart Roach, Global Director of Growth and Communications for the ICF.
“We want our brand partners to be part of our athletes’ inspiring stories and, with their support, we are able to invest in telling those stories through high-quality TV broadcasts that air around the world and make Canoe Sport a truly global proposition.”
Asia supporting growth in paddle sports
These important collaborations underline the development of paddle sports worldwide, with Asia among the continents to experience rapid growth across the ICF’s disciplines.
This is reflected by the ICF’s agreements with four Chinese companies in Hangzhou: Kayford Branding Company, Hua Ao Boats, Ironmaster and Peishing.
All four firms are helping to increase the presence of paddle sports in China and across Asia.
Hua Ao Boats and Peishing are both manufacturers of high-quality equipment, with the latter focusing on Dragon Boats.
A long-term partnership has been agreed for Peishing to help develop Dragon Boats, while Hua Ao Boats will offer boats for the Canoe Sprint and Canoe Slalom disciplines.
They join the ICF’s partnership roster that features fellow boat manufacturers Nelo and Plastex whose established agreements have been reinforced for 2024.
Manufacturing the best equipment
“At Nelo, we're all about embracing our passion for the sport,” said Nelo Chief Executive Andre Santos.
“Being partner of the ICF gives us the opportunity to be part of the driving force of our sport.
“Together, we can spread the amazing things our sport can offer, and even more we can do it all across the globe.”
The ICF is also continuing to strengthen its partnership with Braca-sport that produces the highest quality of paddles for athletes.
Osah Drypak is another ICF manufacturer partner, offering waterproof packs and life jackets.
Supplying top products for paddlers
Danish kayak ergometer specialist Dansprint continues its partnership, while fitness equipment manufacturer Ironmaster is another China company that has joined forces with the ICF.
A licensing agreement has also been struck with Hangzhou Kayford Branding Company, allowing the Chinese firm to produce and market apparel, souvenirs and other merchandise.
Logistics partnerships with Prowave and Sports Camps have been reinforced for 2024 after they agreed to become Silver Partners.
Great opportunities to foster partnerships
Alibaba Cloud, the official Cloud Services Partner of the Olympic Games, is the ICF’s Sustainability Partner.
The collaboration between the ICF and Alibaba Cloud encompasses various aspects, including the development of sustainability toolkits and creating sustainable event management programmes to assist National Federations and organisers.
The Peace and Sport Foundation is the ICF’s Social and Environmental Partner, while Anjana Marine Sports is the ICF’s Recreational Partner.
For details on how to become an ICF Partner, visit our partnerships page here.
