The canoeing family is mourning the passing of Poland’s Halina Pikula who has died at the age of 71. 

Pikula was a passionate sports enthusiast who had served as a member of the Board of Directors at both the International Canoe Federation and European Canoe Association (ECA). 

From 1993 to 2009, Pikula held the role of Secretary General of the Polish Canoe Federation where was she played a key role in developing the sport in her country. 

Pikula was an ECA Board member between 2000 and 2009 with the last four of those years serving as Vice President of the continental governing body. 

During that time, Pikula was also a continental representative on the ICF Board of Directors. 

In addition to her work in canoeing, Pikula had a broad impact across other sports in Poland. 

She served as Secretary General of the Polish Badminton Federation, and since 2013, she held the same role with the Polish Weightlifting Federation. In 2016, Pikula briefly acted as President of the federation. 

Albert Woods, the Founding President of the ECA and ICF Honorary Member, paid tribute to Pikula. 

“I knew Halina for many years as well as her daughter Paula and granddaughter,” said Woods. 

“She will be deeply missed and also for her great sense of humour.” 

Along with the ECA, we would like to express our sincere condolences to her family and friends. Halina, rest in peace.