International Canoe Federation President Thomas Konietzko has unveiled plans to increase resources at the organisation in a bid to maximise the development of paddle sports across the globe.
Speaking on the opening day of the ICF Congress in Antalya, Turkiye on Thursday, Mr Konietzko stressed the need to expand the global governing body’s professional workforce to help develop and promote canoeing worldwide.
Since being elected as ICF President in November 2021, Mr Konietzko said the past three years had been marked by significant growth, strategic restructuring and an ongoing commitment to expand the global reach of paddle sport.
Mr Konietzko said it was essential to implement a more effective organisational structure to meet the demands of the rising global popularity in the ICF’s 10 disciplines.
The ICF, which is headquartered in Lausanne, Switzerland, established an office in Hangzhou, China earlier this year.
There are also plans to establish the ICF’s headquarters in Budapest, Hungary that would help to triple the size of the organisation’s team should it be agreed at the Congress.
“After almost 20 successful years, we agreed that a new structure within the ICF office was needed, along with new people in key positions in our headquarters,” said Mr Konietzko, who will stand unopposed for re-election as ICF President on Friday.
“We quickly realised that if we really wanted to address all the important issues in a high-quality manner, we did not have sufficient human resources.
“Currently, we have five employees based in Hangzhou office, with plans to increase this number to 11 by the end of the year.
“Additionally, subject to your approval, we intend to hire around 15 new employees in Hungary.
“We are now focused on implementing efficient office structures to maximize the benefits of these new resources across all aspects of our sport.”
Mr Konietzko insisted that an increase in personnel would not result in reductions in other areas of the ICF’s operations.
“On the contrary, as the additional funds provided for the offices by the City of Hangzhou and the Hungarian Government, we propose in our budget to provide more money for development activities and support for special projects and our continental federations,” said Mr Konietzko.
“We have been able to generate more income over the last three years and, in particular, improve the ratio between income from the IOC and other income.
“In 2021, 91 per cent of our revenue came from the IOC and, provided you approve the budget, it will be 60 per cent in the new cycle and we can almost double our overall budget.
“This is also due to the greater interest in our sport from sponsors, and I am delighted that we have been able to find numerous new supporters and sponsors in the last three years.
“Without you, dear sponsors, we would not be able to advance our sport.”
Mr Konietzko expressed his delight at the globalization of the sport, highlighting this year’s ICF Canoe Sprint World Championships which was staged in Asia for the first time with Samarkand, Uzbekistan playing host.
He also hailed the achievements of the ICF’s digital and broadcast strategy and development programmes as well as the success of the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games which included the introduction of kayak cross.
“I think we can be proud of what we have achieved together,” added Mr Konietzko.
“Let us continue on this course together and in the coming days and set the right course for another successful future.”
Related links
