Guests from five continents gathered during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games to celebrate a century of the International Canoe Federation on Monday.
Held at the new headquarters of the French Federation of Canoe and Kayak (FFCK) at the Vaires-sur-Marne Nautical Arena, built specifically for the Olympic Games, more than 150 guests representing the sport of canoe were in attendance.
The venue provided a fitting location, given that it is 100 years since the Olympic Games were last held in Paris.
National Federation Presidents and Secretary Generals rubbed shoulders with ICF Board of Directors and Executive Committee members and staff at the event.
An army of International Technical Officials (ITOs) who were on duty for the slalom Olympic Games events and those that will officiate the sprint competitions were also recognised during the speeches.
ICF President Thomas Konietzko opened the celebratory gathering, thanking the ITOs, officials and staff and paying tribute to all involved in the growth of the federation since its inception in 1924.
“We have used the Olympic Games to make a stage for canoeing and we have made the sport more innovative and modern,” said Mr Konietzko, on the day kayak cross Olympic medals were handed out for the first time.
“I say thank you to the ITOs and judges on gates and in the video room, who serve clubs and federations as ITOs and coaches. We celebrate your success and achievements.
“And when we start our sprint competitions here on Tuesday, we will be doing so at a very historic place. For the first time at the Games in Paris 1924, our sport entered the big Olympic stage as a demonstration sport.
“Twelve years later in Berlin in 1936, sprinting officially became part of the Olympic Games and canoe slalom entered the Olympic stage for the first time in 1972. I believe that these games in particular make us realise how successful our path as a Federation has been so far.
Addressing all guests in the room, Mr Konietzko added: “From the bottom of my heart, I thank you all for your hard work and for making the beautiful sport of canoeing what it is today.”
Guests were presented with a newly-published book, titled a Century of Paddling, commemorating 100 years of the global governing body, and a huge canoe-shaped cake provided an eye-catching centrepiece.
Former ICF President and Secretary General Jose Perurena made a speech paying tribute to Chair of the ICF Canoe Slalom Committee, Jean-Michel Prono, who has completed 20 years of service in the position.
Mr Prono, who served as sport advisor for the French Sports Ministry from 1976-1980 before becoming a regional technical advisor for the French Canoe Association, was described by Mr Perurena as “a leader and an innovator.”
Mr Prono in turn presented all officiating slalom ITOs from the Paris Olympic Games with a commemorative medal and bib.
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