Pan American Canoe Federation activities Q1 2025

Course, competitions and development projects drive growth of canoeing

In the first three months of 2025, the Pan American Canoe Federation (COPAC) intensified its efforts to develop the sport across the continent. The institution conducted training courses, promoted major competitions, and reinforced its presence on social media, highlighting the evolution of the sport and the participation of athletes, coaches, and officials.

Coach qualification was one of the pillars of this period, with key initiatives to improve the technical level of the sport. COPAC organised the Canoe Sprint coaching course and development camp in partnership with Panam Sports, which started in March and will last for four months. Another highlight was the course aimed at Central American coaches, held in Guatemala, expanding access to knowledge and training for new professionals in the region.

At the same time, championships and regattas shaped the competitive landscape. The traditional Rio Negro International Regatta in Argentina once again brought together athletes from several countries. In the United States, Montgomery hosted the Pan American Canoe Slalom Championships. At the same time, Oklahoma welcomed the ICF World Ranking event, strengthening the presence of Pan American canoe in the international circuit.

COPAC also invested in development and technical projects, boosting the canoe grassroots in Latin American countries. Argentina stood out with its Training and Development Centers, an initiative that has been revealing new talents and raising the competitive level of athletes. In Venezuela, Minicanotaje has been an essential tool for encouraging the newgeneration of canoeists and increasing youth participation in the sport.

Women's presence in canoeing was also highlighted in COPAC’s initiatives. The institution has been committed to valuing the role of women in the sport, promoting initiatives that encourage female participation in all spheres of canoe, from competition to sports management.

Asuncion 2025

Paraguay will host the Asuncion 2025 Pan American Youth Games from August 21 to 23. This is the second edition of the Games and Canoe Sprint will be represented by the best junior athletes from the continent, a great opportunity to look to the future of our sport.

Taking advantage of the event's legacy, COPAC has negotiated with the Paraguayan Canoe Federation to hold this year's 2025 Pan American Canoe Sprint and Paracanoe Championships, which will bring together canoeists from all categories a week later, between August 28 and 31. The competitions will bring together the best athletes on the continent, consolidating their position as one of the most important on the international calendar.

COPAC on social media

In addition to in-person activities, COPAC maintained a strong digital presence through its social media platforms, such as Facebook and Instagram. During this period, various posts were made, including reposts from athletes and federation members, as well as important commemorative dates for the organisation. This effort contributed to increasing the visibility of canoeing and engaging the public with the sport.

By Sebastian Gomez, President of the Pan American Canoe Federation