Inclusivity and accessibility were praised during an inspection of Milan’s Idroscalo Regatta Course that will host this year’s International Canoe Federation Paracanoe World Championships.
John Edwards, Chair of the ICF Paracanoe Committee, conducted a two-day visit of the venue that has undergone major improvements to ensure full accessibility and comfort for Paracanoe paddlers.
The site inspection took place during the recent Milan International Race which served as a rehearsal for the World Championships with Canoe Sprint and Paracanoe athletes participating.
Milan is preparing to stage the World Championships for the first time in 10 years with Canoe Sprint and Paracanoe races set to be held from August 20 to 24.
Mr Edwards said he was impressed by the improvements made to the Idroscalo Regatta Course since it last played host in 2015.
“Milan is well on its way to being as best prepared as possible for the World Championships,” said Mr Edwards.
“The preparations look excellent.
“I had an opportunity to see some hotels to check on accessible accommodation which looks really good, and we assessed the height of the water at the dock.
“There are going to be some excellent facilities there and the improvements help with that.
“For instance, they have an accessible ramp for wheelchair users to go down to the dock.
“It’s a beautiful facility and is very close to the hotel so it’s a lovely spot for competition.
“It’s also the first big championships since the Paralympic Games in Paris so we are expecting big talent to come forward.”
Among the improvements made to the Idroscalo Regatta Course is a fully renewed and accessible pontoon, designed to provide safe and efficient boarding.
There is also a dedicated area with adapted changing rooms and support services, offering privacy and tailored comfort and a barrier-free layout throughout the venue, including athlete paths, ramps, and rest areas.
Other enhancements include a dedicated drop-off zone and accessible parking, an adapted medal podium to ensure that all athletes can be celebrated equally and upgraded classification rooms and technical spaces for smooth and dignified management of athlete classification.
“Ensuring full accessibility and comfort for Paracanoe athletes has been a top priority in our preparations,” said Antonio Rossi, Vice President of the Italian Canoe Kayak Federation.
“We’ve worked closely with the ICF and experts in adaptive sport to upgrade several areas.
“These enhancements reflect our commitment to inclusion and our ambition to set a new standard for accessibility in international paddle sports.”
Mr Rossi said feedback received during the Milan International Race was “overwhelmingly positive”.
“Athletes appreciated the effort that went into making the venue accessible, functional, and athlete-friendly,” said Mr Rossi.
“John Edwards - a key figure in the development of Paracanoe within the ICF - was especially complimentary.
“He noted the progress made since his last visit and praised the quality of the water, the logistics, and the professionalism of the organising team.
“Of course, as with any test event, we also received some constructive suggestions that we will address in the coming months.
“We’re committed to continual improvement, and the input from the Paracanoe community is absolutely essential to delivering a world-class event in August.”
Mr Rossi said the Italian organisers were “truly honoured” and “excited” to stage this year’s Canoe Sprint and Paracanoe World Championships.
“It’s a powerful statement of unity within our sport — one venue, one team, one major event that celebrates excellence across all disciplines,” added Mr Rossi.
“Paracanoe has grown tremendously in recent years, and welcoming the world’s best Paracanoeists to Milan is a privilege.
“We believe strongly in inclusion and accessibility, and we’re proud that our venue and our event reflect those values at the highest level.”
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