The sustainability of the Vaires-sur-Marne Nautical Stadium has received glowing praise after staging 15 successive days of canoeing competition during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

Fans have been flocking to the venue situated 30 kilometres from the centre of the French capital since the opening day of action on July 27.

The Vaires-sur-Marne Nautical Stadium was built in 2019 to host the Canoe Slalom and Canoe Sprint competitions as well as the rowing races for Paris 2024.

Kit McConnell, Sports Director at the International Olympic Committee (IOC), visited the Vaires-sur-Marne Nautical Stadium on August 1 along with IOC President Thomas Bach.

“The venue is absolutely striking, both from a sporting perspective and an entertainment and crowd engagement perspective,” said Mr McConnell as he watched the Canoe Slalom competition.

“Just hearing about how the course is working in the Olympic mode but also outside the Olympic mode, it is so well used by the athletes and by the French Canoe Federation and emergency services.

“It is a totally sustainable venue and in Olympic mode it is absolutely electric.”

Canoe Slalom took place on the whitewater course from July 27 to August 4 where kayak cross made its Olympic debut.

Canoe Sprint then took centre stage at the regatta venue from August 5 to 10 which had hosted the rowing competition the week before.

“I think the efficiencies that are gained by the co-locations are really important in terms of the operations and the sustainability of the venue,” added Mr McConnell.

“(Canoeing and rowing) are two sports that work closely together so having these two courses is not only good for canoeing by itself having sprint and slalom but having rowing as part of that mix really adds value as well.

“It is a great model that we would encourage other countries to look at as well.”

International Canoe Federation President Thomas Konietzko said: “The Vaires-sur-Marne Nautical Stadium was the perfect venue for 15 consecutive days of competition.

“It was fantastic to showcase both Canoe Slalom and Canoe Sprint events on one site generating a wonderful atmosphere for our paddlers.

“I have no doubt that these state-of-the-art facilities will leave a legacy for canoeing in France and across the world long after the Games are over.

“This Olympic venue is another great model of sustainability.

“We are looking forward to returning to Vaires-sur-Marne for the Paralympics in just a few weeks’ time.”