International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach has celebrated “100 years of progress” at the International Canoe Federation in a special speech marking the organisation’s centenary.
During a video message presented on the opening day of the ICF’s Congress in Antalya, Turkiye, Mr Bach underlined canoeing’s “strong standing” within the Olympic Games.
Mr Bach also praised the ICF for “embracing change” after the “outstanding success” of Paris 2024 and hailed the “dynamic leadership” of President Thomas Konietzko.
The ICF, which was formed in 1924, is celebrating its 100th anniversary at its Congress in Antalya.
“As you celebrate your centenary, I would like to express my heartfelt congratulations to all of you at the ICF,” said Mr Bach.
“On this milestone anniversary you can look back with so much pride on 100 years of progress.”
Bach said it was “fitting” that the ICF should celebrate its centenary in an Olympic year in Paris – 100 years after canoe first appeared as a demonstration sport at the Games in the French capital.
The showcasing of canoeing at Paris 1924 came just a few months after four National Federations founded a global governing body for paddle sports that became known as the ICF in 1946.
“Since these humble beginnings, the ICF has not stopped growing,” said Mr Bach.
“Today, your 170 National Federations underline in an impressive way that canoeing has grown into a truly global sport with worldwide appeal.
“The Olympic and Paralympic Games Paris 2024 were the latest demonstration of the strong standing of canoe at the Olympic Games.
“The amazing performances of your athletes celebrated your sport and your community at its best.
“The Olympic Games Paris 2024 were truly Olympic Games of a new era.
“Younger, more urban, more inclusive, more sustainable.
“The very first Olympic Games with full gender parity.
“The first Olympic Games fully in line with our Olympic Agenda from start to finish.
“With the outstanding success of the Olympic canoe competitions everyone at ICF played an essential part in writing this new chapter of Olympic history.
“For this, you can rightly be very proud forever.
“The strong standing of canoe in Olympic sport today is also thanks to all of you at ICF.
“You have always understood how to embrace change.”
Mr Bach praised the ICF for introducing kayak cross which made its debut at Paris 2024 and helping towards the realization of Olympic Agenda 2020+5.
“I would like to in particular highlight the dynamic leadership of your President, my very dear friend Thomas Konietzko who with all his energy and drive is making the ICF into a truly global organisation, always building on the strong legacy of his predecessor my very dear friend Jose Perurena,” said Mr Bach.
“Whether developing your sport with new formats like kayak cross that we saw in Paris, reaching new and younger audiences through digital engagement, promoting inclusion and gender equality on and off the water, stepping up the fight against doping or strengthening sustainability.
“With these and so many more initiatives you are embracing change.
“You are transforming the ICF into an organisation with a global reach and you are strengthening the role of sport in society.”
Mr Bach added: “I would like to thank all of you at the ICF for the important work you are doing day in and day out to promote sport and its values in a truly outstanding way.
“Building on this momentum – and indeed building on a century of progress - you have every reason to look to the future with great confidence.”
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