The Host City Agreement has been signed for next year’s International Canoe Federation Canoe Slalom World Championships, marking a significant milestone on the road to Penrith 2025.
A signing ceremony took place on the sidelines of the ICF Congress in Antalya, Turkiye where organisers underlined their commitment to a successful staging of the event in less than a year’s time.
ICF President Thomas Konietzko and Paddle Australia President Andrew Trim signed the agreement, accompanied by ICF Secretary General Richard Pettit and Paddle Australia Chief Executive Kim Crane.
The ICF Congress also saw Richard Fox, Head of the Host Organising Committee for Penrith 2025, elected as Chair of the ICF Canoe Slalom Committee for a four-year term following Paddle Australia’s nomination.
Mr Fox will also take his seat on the ICF Executive Committee.
It is a return to the ICF’s top table for the multiple kayak world champion who was Vice President from 2008 to 2012 after being a member of the Canoe Slalom Committee from 1996 to 2000.
Mr Fox succeeds France’s Jean-Michel Prono who has retired as Chair of the Canoe Slalom Committee after two decades in the role.
“I am honoured to be elected as Chair of the Canoe Slalom Technical Committee and I am grateful for the nomination by Paddle Australia and for the work done by the previous team, led by Jean Michel Prono,” said Mr Fox.
“Sustainable development and technological innovation will be at the forefront of our plans for Canoe Slalom as we endeavour to make our sport more accessible.
“Our events give us an opportunity to elevate our athletes and volunteers, grow awareness of paddle sports and promote healthy, water-connected lifestyles around destination venues.
“As Head of the Host Organising Committee for the ICF World Championships, our focus is on bringing the Paris experience to Penrith Australia, delivering a vibrant presentation of our sport to a wide audience, growing new communities and followers for the journey to LA28 and Brisbane 2032.
“Our new ICF committee looks forward to working with our athletes and ICF stakeholders to shape an inclusive, sustainable, and innovative future for paddle sports.
“On the business front, the ICF Board decided to keep access to all 2025 World Cup competitions the same as in the 2024 season, encouraging participation from more federations at the start of a new cycle.
“We met post Congress with event organisers to align new schedules and our next steps will be to communicate the final details for the 2025 season, with exciting streamlined race formats, already approved.”
Mr Konietzko said he was delighted to welcome Mr Fox back on the ICF Executive Committee and sign the Host City Agreement for Penrith 2025.
“Richard will be an exceptional addition to our team having played such an integral role in the growth of Canoe Slalom,” said Mr Konietzko.
“Not only was Richard an incredible slalom athlete but he helped to keep the discipline on the Olympic programme at Sydney 2000 when he was a member of the Canoe Slalom Committee before later becoming Vice President.
“His election as Chair of the Canoe Slalom Committee comes at an exciting time for the discipline after a hugely successful Olympic Games in Paris.
“It was fantastic to sign the Host City Agreement as we look forward to the Canoe Slalom World Championships at the Penrith Whitewater Stadium where we can add to the great legacy of Sydney 2000.”
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Mrs Crane said: “It’s important to capture milestone moments when hosting an event of this scale as there’s significant passion, conviction, team work, partnership investment and support that leads to arriving here.
"This event means something to us at Paddle Australia; to our athletes, coaches, staff, wider paddling community and more broadly our system; in the context of making a contribution to the 2032 Olympics green and gold runway.
"To bring a World Championships back to a legacy Sydney 2000 competition venue marks another milestone.
“Recognising Australia and the Oceania Region’s strong performances at the recent Paris Games, it seems only fitting that the Canoe Slalom world will travel to compete in Penrith, Sydney in October 2025.
"Paddle Australia is pleased to see Richard Fox appointed as ICF Chair of the Canoe Slalom Committee.
"A member of Paddle Australia’s Hall of Fame, Richard’s dedication to our sport both in Australia and internationally is significant.
“Beyond his athletic career he has been a constant advocate for advancing Canoe Slalom.
"Paddle Australia was pleased to announce Richard as the Head of the Host Organising Committee for the 2025 ICF Canoe Slalom World Championships earlier this year.
“His role internationally with the ICF alongside his role with our HOC, will be a great advantage to ensuring the 2025 World Championships delivers a great event that has athletes at the centre of planning and advancing ICF’s ‘Fit for Future’ strategy."
The ICF Canoe Slalom World Championships will be held in Penrith Whitewater Stadium, a legacy venue of the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games, from October 1 to 6, 2025.
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