International Canoe Federation (ICF), President Thomas Konietzko Shows Solidarity with Ukrainian athletes during his visit.
The President of the International Canoe Federation (ICF), Thomas Konietzko, visited Ukraine this week. He was able to engage with athletes and officials, to get a first-hand impression of the current situation and to express the ICF's support for the Ukrainian canoeing community.
President Konietzko held several meetings with athletes and officials during his visit, listening to their concerns and learning about the challenges they face. Given the difficult circumstances, the ICF has already provided around 200,000 euros in support since the conflict began in February 2022. In addition, several competition organisers and national federations have provided further support to enable participation in events and facilitate the organisation of training camps. The ICF is committed to continue this support throughout the year and to unite as a global canoeing family to support Ukrainian canoeists.
One of the most important moments of President Konietzko's visit was his meeting with representatives of the regional administration of Ternopil, a city that recently experienced a bomb attack near the regatta course during the national qualification event. He also held discussions with Mr M. Kozytski, the head of the Lviv regional administration. These talks focused on the exceptional efforts of the administrations to ensure sporting activities even in the midst of the ongoing conflict.
President Konietzko then met Ukraine's Minister of Sport, Vadim Guttsait, who is also President of the National Olympic Committee (NOC). They spoke at length about the challenges facing Ukrainian athletes and reached a mutual understanding on many issues, respectfully addressing each other's different positions. During the talks, President Konietzko advocated the unifying power of sport, especially in times of national conflict, and stressed the importance of active participation as a sign of solidarity. It was underlined that supporting a non-engagement stance runs counter to the fundamental principles and mission of the Olympic Charter.
President Konietzko reiterated the ICF's unwavering support for the Ukrainian paddlers and stressed that under no circumstances should Russian or Belarusian athletes or officials participating as neutral athletes use the sporting platform to promote their countries or the ongoing conflict. To maintain this stance, the ICF will introduce strict criteria for the participation of neutral athletes following the decision of the ICF Board on 29 April 2023. President Konietzko expressed his strong desire for Ukrainian athletes to have the widest possible opportunities to compete and ensured that no regulations would hinder their participation in competitions.
His visit to Bucha, accompanied by the President of the Ukrainian Canoe Federation, was a solemn occasion to pay tribute to the victims of Russian aggression. This gesture underlined the unity and support that the international canoeing community shares with the Ukrainian people in these challenging times.
The ICF remains committed to work closely with the Ukrainian Canoe Federation, local authorities and relevant stakeholders to overcome the obstacles faced by Ukrainian athletes and ensure that their sporting aspirations are not hindered. Through its solidarity and continued support, the ICF aims to strengthen the Ukrainian canoeing community and promote a better future for all involved.
