Heading for Africa for the International Canoe-Kayak Federation (ICF). After the signing last month of a cooperation agreement with the Association of African National Olympic Committees (ACNOA), the body advanced a new pawn during a conference organized in Cairo, the capital of Egypt (photo above). Thomas Konietzko, its president, detailed the ICF's strategy for developing the practice on the continent in front of around a hundred African canoe-kayak players. A continental director will be appointed to accelerate detection and strengthen the training of coaches. His position will be funded by the ICF. The development strategy will target nations already involved in canoeing and paddle sports. With a bridgehead: Egypt. “ In the past, we have tried to spread our development efforts and investments in training, education and the delivery of new equipment to as many countries as possible on the African continent., explained Thomas Konietzko. We analyzed the results of this strategy and determined that it was not the most effective way to develop canoeing on the African continent. As our resources are also limited, we have decided to support the African canoe federations, in addition to other ongoing activities such as our development camps, with additional targeted programs. » As a first step, the ICF continental director will help Egyptian clubs attract a new generation of young athletes. The final stage will aim to allow the most promising African hopefuls and their coaches to share in the preparation of the best European nations.
