The International Canoe Federation has strengthened its ties with the Hungarian University of Sports Science (HUSS) with the signing of a new cooperation agreement in Budapest, Hungary.
A unique, English-language international master’s programme, titled “MSc Sport Coaching – Canoe and Kayak Sprint”, will be launched at HUSS in September this year.
The programme will be implemented in cooperation with the Hungarian-based Kovács Katalin National Canoe-Kayak Academy, the Hungarian Canoe Federation (MKKSZ), and the ICF.
Kovács Katalin National Canoe-Kayak Academy will be responsible for the venue of the sport-specific practical training as well as for world-class equipment and sports science laboratories.
The MKKSZ and the State Secretariat for Sport of the Ministry of Defence will provide the professional leadership and support of the programme, while the ICF will offer technical support.
ICF President Thomas Konietzko attended a signing ceremony on Wednesday (April 8) to mark the announcement of the cooperation agreement which builds on a long-standing partnership with the university.
Professor h.c. Lajos Mocsai, Chair of the Board of Trustees of the Foundation for Hungarian University of Physical Education, HUSS’s rector Professor Tamás Sterbenz, MKKSZ President Gábor Schmidt and Katalin Kovács, the three-time Olympic champion and Chair of the Board of Trustees of the Kovács Katalin National Canoe-Kayak Academy, were also present for the signing.
“This initiative represents much more than an academic programme with strong partners. It is a strategic investment in the future of our sport,” said Mr. Konietzko.
“Ultimately, the development of canoeing does not only depend on competitions. It depends on people around the world.
“On well-educated coaches, on knowledgeable experts, and on a strong connection between sport and science.
“This is exactly what makes this programme so valuable.
“It creates a clear pathway for athletes and coaches who wish to continue their journey in our sport beyond their competitive careers.
“It allows them to combine passion with profession, and to remain part of the global canoeing family in a meaningful and impactful way.
“I would like to sincerely thank all partners involved in making this happen.
“This kind of cooperation between an International federation, a National Federation, an academic institution, and a high-performance training centre, is exactly the model we need to develop our sport worldwide.”
The four-party agreement is unique in several respects in the more than 100-year history of the university.
While the master’s programme was initiated and conceived by the university, it will be conducted in English and will draw on the decades of experience and close cooperation of four major organisations with extensive expertise in both Hungarian and international canoe and kayak sport and education.
The agreement comes four months after the ICF officially opened its new headquarters in Budapest.
“Our decision to relocate the ICF headquarters here was based on the strong commitment and vision of our Hungarian partners and the continued support for paddle sport in your country,” added Mr. Konietzko.
“Today’s agreement is another important example of that commitment in action.
“I am confident that this initiative will not only benefit the participants but will also have a lasting impact on the development of canoe and kayak worldwide.
“I encourage athletes, coaches, and young professionals from across the world to take advantage of this unique opportunity.”
Mr Schmidt said the ICF’s relocation to Budapest presented an opportunity for parties to further strengthen the sport’s position within the Olympic Movement.
“This future cooperation will energise the long-standing friendly and professional relationship between the ICF, the university and the Hungarian federation,” said Mr Schmidt.
Professor Mocsai said HUSS would be able to offer high-level education to its students both domestically and internationally.
“The current cooperation represents a close integration of practice, professional experience and academic knowledge,” said Professor Mocsai.
“An important role will be played by the National Canoe-Kayak Academy, which provides the essential professional foundation required for the programme.”
Pictures by Gergely Vidor
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