Pan American Canoe Federation activities Q2 2026

Between April and June, the continent advanced key strategic decisions for Lima 2027, strengthened its institutional structure through its Assembly, and delivered notable performances in Canoe Sprint, Canoe Slalom, and Paracanoe competitions. 

The Pan American Canoe Federation (COPAC) continued its strategic agenda throughout the second quarter of 2026 with initiatives focused on institutional strengthening, sport development, and planning for the next continental cycle. Between April and June, the period was marked by important decisions regarding the Lima 2027 Pan American Games, advances in governance, and outstanding performances by athletes from across the Americas on the international stage. 

Strategic Progress Towards Lima 2027 

One of the quarter’s main milestones was the official approval of the qualification system for the Canoe Sprint events at Lima 2027. The model establishes the allocation of 130 quota places and designates the 2026 Pan American Canoe Sprint Championships in Montreal as the primary qualification pathway, while also incorporating regional competitions to expand opportunities for nations throughout the continent. The system also confirmed the first qualified athletes through the Asunción 2025 Junior Pan American Games. 

On the institutional front, COPAC held its Extraordinary General Assembly on June 20, bringing together its affiliated National Federations. During the meeting, Rafael Girotto, President of the Brazilian Canoe Confederation, was unanimously elected as COPAC’s Second Vice President. The Assembly also approved statutory updates, reinforcing the organisation’s commitment to transparency, participation, and the continued strengthening of sports governance. 

The quarter was also marked by progress in the organization of the 2026 Pan American Canoe Marathon Championships and the ICF Canoe Marathon World Championships in Gualeguaychú, Argentina. The event will be historic as it marks the first time an ICF Canoe Marathon World Championships is hosted in South America, further consolidating the region’s growing prominence within the international canoe community. 

Developing the Future of the Sport 

In the area of development, the International Canoe Federation (ICF) organised a new edition of its International Canoe Sprint Development Camp in Szeged, Hungary, with participation from Colombia and Peru. The initiative forms part of the preparation pathway toward the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games and aims to expand technical opportunities for athletes and coaches from emerging canoe nations. 

Strong Results on the International Stage 

In international competition, athletes from the Americas continued to deliver strong performances throughout the quarter. During the ICF Canoe Sprint World Cup events held in Szeged and Brandenburg, countries including Brazil, Cuba, Canada, and Chile secured important medals against the world’s elite. In Brandenburg, which also hosted Paracanoe events, athletes from the continent further reinforced the region’s competitive presence on the international stage. In Canoe Slalom, United States athlete Evy Leibfarth once again stood out by reaching the podium at the Augsburg ICF World Cup. 

With an agenda focused on planning, governance, development, and sporting excellence, the second quarter of 2026 reaffirmed COPAC’s commitment to the sustainable growth of canoe sports throughout the Americas and to strengthening the continent’s presence and competitiveness on the international stage. 

Sebastian Gomez, President of the Pan American Canoe Federation