Oklahoma City has been named as the host of the 2026 International Canoe Federation Congress, creating further excitement ahead of staging Canoe Slalom events at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.
A bid, submitted by the American Canoe Association in collaboration with the City of Oklahoma City and Riversport OKC, was approved at the ICF Congress in Antalya, Turkiye on Friday, achieving 88.1 per cent of the vote.
Oklahoma City will also stage the ICF Canoe Slalom World Championships in 2026 with the RIVERSPORT Rapids whitewater centre will hosting the event.
The dates for the 2026 ICF Congress have yet to be confirmed.
The decision to award the 2026 ICF Congress is another big boost for Oklahoma City which was announced as the venue for the 2028 Olympic Canoe Slalom competition earlier this year.
“Hosting the ICF Congress is really important to us especially in advance of the Olympics in 2028,” said Beth Spilman, Executive Director of the American Canoe Association.
“We are super excited to be able to host the ICF Congress in Oklahoma City as well as the ICF Canoe Slalom World Championships in 2026.
“It’s very exciting to hold such an important event and it’ll be the first time we have had an ICF Canoe Slalom World Championships in the United States for 14 years.
“It will be a big moment for us ahead of the Games.”
ICF President Thomas Konietzko said: “Congratulations to Oklahoma City on being awarded the 2026 ICF Congress.
“I am sure Oklahoma City will be fantastic hosts of both the Congress and the Canoe Slalom World Championships in two years’ time.
“I have no doubt that Oklahoma City will also be excellent hosts of the Canoe Slalom events at the 2028 Olympics so this will be an important time in preparation for these Games.”
Related links
