The International Canoe Federation today welcomed the news paracanoe will be included in the Paris 2024 Paralympic program.

The ICF received official confirmation the International Paralympic Committee governing board has decided paracanoe will be one of the 22 sports to be contested in the French capital.

The IPC decided to keep the same sport program that will be in place for the Tokyo Paralympics next year.

Paracanoe made its Paralympic debut with great success in Rio in 2016. In Tokyo a new paracanoe category, va’a, or outrigger canoe, will be added to the program. The three extra medals will bring to nine the total number of golds up for grabs in Japan.

“We are very grateful to the IPC for their continued confidence in our sport,” the ICF’s paracanoe chairman, John Edwards, said.

“Since making its debut in Rio, paracanoe has gone from strength to strength. More and more athletes are turning to our sport, more countries are involved, and the standard of competition has grown enormously.

“Now that we have confirmation we will be part of Paris 2024, we can expect continued growth for paracanoe. It provides athletes, coaches and federations with the certainty they need to plan for the future.

“Paracanoe is a highly accessible activity for all persons with impairments and its selection for Paris by the IPC is a clear indicator of a growing and expansive future.”

The ICF congratulates all the sports included in the Paris 2024 program, and looks forward to another outstanding Games which will showcase some of the world’s finest athletes.