Influential figures who helped to shape canoeing’s great history were recognised at the International Canoe Federation’s 100-year anniversary celebration in Antalya, Turkiye.
The great and good of paddle sports came together for a special centenary dinner on Saturday following the ICF Congress.
Guests celebrated 100 years of history at the ICF, which was founded in 1924 and now has a membership of 171 National Federations and governs 10 paddling disciplines.
ICF President Thomas Konietzko welcomed attendees from all over the world to Antalya for the centenary celebration.
“With 100 successful years behind us, the Congress here in Antalya has set the course for the future and will lead us through the next decades but we should also celebrate ourselves who passionately develop our sport,” said Mr Konietzko.
Among the guests were Great Britain’s Albert Woods, Hungary’s Istvan Vaskuti, Czechia’s Jaroslav Pollert and Jean-Michel Prono who have been made ICF Honorary Members.
They were all presented with special awards in recognition of their outstanding contribution to the sport.
Mr Prono also received a Paris 2024 Olympic Torch from Mr Konietzko after 20 years as Chair of the ICF Canoe Slalom Committee.
“I am honoured to have the title of Honorary Member,” said Mr Prono who has been instrumental in the evolution of Canoe Slalom and creation of kayak cross.
“It’s a great recognition and to receive this Olympic Torch is very symbolic.
“It’s a very rare object and it’s the Torch from the last Games I have been involved in.
“It’s the cherry on the cake.”
Mr Pollert is another key figure in the history of the slalom discipline having led the Canoe Slalom Committee from 1996 to 2000.
During that time, Mr Pollert, who was President of the Czech Canoe Union from 2006 to 2014, helped to ensure Canoe Slalom remained on the Olympic programme at Sydney 2000.
“At the time, we contacted Jacques Chirac, Al Gore and other top politicians as it was so important to keep slalom in the Olympics,” said Mr Pollert.
“From practical point of view, canoeing has been my hobby and from a theoretical point of view as a professor at Czech Technical University the important thing is that the water is flowing down the river.”
Mr Woods is the Founding President of the European Canoe Association and led the organisation for 30 years until 2023.
He was also Chair of the ICF Canoe Slalom and Wildwater Canoeing Committee from 1988 to 1996.
“I was elected in 1988, so it’s a long, long time ago and a lot has happened since then,” said Mr Woods.
“I am very honoured.
“I started the European Canoe Association in December 1993 and now it’s the biggest and strongest continent in the ICF.”
Another recipient of the Honorary Member title was Mr Vaskuti who won Olympic gold in Canoe Sprint at Moscow 1980 before playing a leading role within the ICF.
Mr Vaskuti joined the ICF Board of Directors in 2000 before becoming Chair of the Canoe Sprint Committee from 2004 to 2008 and then served as First Vice President from 2008 to 2016.
“To get this big recognition with an award like this at the end of my long career in this sport makes me very proud,” said Mr Vaskuti.
“Canoeing is a very special and flexible sport.
“It’s possible to do it everywhere, whitewater or flatwater, sitting or standing on the boat and the connection to the water is fantastic.”
The evening of celebrations saw interviews with other key figures in the sport including Honorary President Jose Perurena, Honorary Member Helen Brownlee, newly re-elected President Mr Konietzko and Olympic medallist Bridgitte Hartley.
There was also an interview with Balint Vekassy, Global Director of Events at the ICF who was Editor in Chief of “A Century of Paddling” – a book which charts the 100-year history of the ICF.
Related links
