Around 130 native trees will be planted as a lasting environmental legacy from the 2026 Paddle Europe Sprint Championships in Montemor-o-Velho, Portugal.
The Champions Forest project was launched during the event with the aim of turning sporting achievements into long-term contribution to biodiversity and the environment.
The sustainability initiative will see every European champion crowned in Montemor-o-Velho celebrated with the planting of a tree.
The trees will be planted during the 2026 planting season in October and November to support the best possible growth and survival rates.
As part of the initiative, medallists received a symbolic tree-shaped token made from recycled cardboard instead of traditional flower bouquets.
Each token features a unique identification number, allowing athletes to track the tree linked to their achievement through a dedicated online platform.
Updates on the planting process and the development of the Champions Forest will be shared through the event’s official communication channels and social media platforms, allowing athletes, supporters and stakeholders to follow the project’s progress.
Rather than a short-lived ceremonial gift, the Champions Forest will create a legacy that grows beyond the competition itself, connecting success on the water with a lasting commitment to the environment.
The project reflects the organisers’ commitment to sustainability and the values of excellence, responsibility and respect for nature that underpin canoeing.
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