The International Canoe Federation (ICF) has officially inaugurated its representative office in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, marking a significant milestone as the federation's first branch. This new Asian headquarters aims to promote and develop canoeing across the region.
ICF President Thomas Konietzko expressed his excitement, stating, \"I am delighted to officially inaugurate our new Asian office in Hangzhou.\"
The Hangzhou office is a key component of the ICF's ambitious \"Fit for Future\" strategic plan. According to the federation, this expansion will enhance the support and capabilities of their headquarters team based in Lausanne, Switzerland.
\"Hangzhou is a modern city with a great passion for paddle sports. It is the perfect location for this office, which will help to strengthen our organization and develop our disciplines in a continent that is seeing great growth,\" Konietzko added. The office will play a pivotal role in supporting the development of paddle sports not only in Asia but also globally.
The successful hosting of the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou from September 23 to October 8 last year provided the city with invaluable experience in organizing major sporting events and an abundance of venue resources. Konietzko praised the outstanding performances of Asian canoeists, particularly Chinese athletes, attributing their success to the sport's popularity and the enthusiastic support from the public.
As the first officially established and operational branch of an international sports organization in Zhejiang, the ICF Hangzhou Representative Office serves as an important platform for Hangzhou's aspiration to become an international hub for sports events and conferences.
This October, Hangzhou will host its first-ever multi-discipline ICF Super Cup at the Fuyang Water Sports Center. The event, organized jointly by China Media Group, the General Administration of Sport of China, the ICF, and the Hangzhou Municipal Government, will feature numerous elite athletes, including Olympic and world champions, competing in canoe sprint, canoe slalom, canoe polo, and canoe marathon from October 10 to 13.
Jin Chenglong, chief representative of the ICF Hangzhou Representative Office, emphasized the office's commitment to integrating canoeing into educational institutions. \"It aims to integrate canoeing into universities, primary and secondary school campuses, harnessing the unique educational benefits and influence of the sport to enhance the health and physical literacy of young people. The goal is to attract more youth to participate in canoeing,\" he added.
Reference(s):
International Canoe Federation opens representative office in Hangzhou
cgtn.com
