Wisely Canoe Polo balls will be used exclusively at the 2026 and 2028 International Canoe Federation Canoe Polo World Championships.
The agreement has been made to use the balls over the next three years after the ICF renewed its contract with Chinese sports manufacturer Yupin Sports.
ICF President Thomas Konietzko and ICF Canoe Polo Committee Chair Greg Smale met with Yupin Sports on the sidelines of the ICF Paddle Summit in Hangzhou, China, to sign the renewal of the competition ball sponsorship.
Yupin Sports is the largest Canoe Polo manufacturer in the world, producing a full range of equipment including paddles, kayaks, spray-decks, goals, scoreboards, shot-clocks and competition balls.
The ICF entered into an agreement to use Yupin Sports’ Wisely Canoe Polo balls as part of a long-term sponsorship deal signed by both parties in March 2018.
Since then, Yupin Sports has helped to continue to develop and promote Canoe Polo around the world.
Under the renewed contract, Yupin Sports will supply free of charge Wisely Canoe Polo balls for use at each World and Continental Championships until the end of 2028.
It will be the official competition ball at the 2025 and 2027 African, American, Asian, European and Oceania Continental Championships.
Mr Smale said: “Yupin Sports has been, and continues to be, a valued partner to ICF Canoe Polo.
“The renewal of the competition ball sponsorship and the use of the Wisely ball in all world and continental championships until the end of 2028 is a direct benefit to organisers and athletes and gives clarity of the ball type for a number of years.
“Subject to International World Games Association’s approval, the agreement also covers the upcoming World Games in Chengdu, China.
“On behalf of the athletes and organisers who will benefit from this sponsorship my thanks to Yupin Sports for their continued support.”
Yupin Sports added: “We hope that through continued cooperation with the ICF, we can help to promote the development of Canoe Polo all around the world.”
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