A delegation from the International Canoe Federation (ICF) visited the United States last week. Chairman of the body, Thomas Konietzko, was part of it, as were the vice president, Lluis Rabaneda, and the secretary general, Richard Pettit. A trip in two stages: first, Los Angeles, where they were able to talk with the head of operations of LA 2028, John Harper. The programming of the events, accommodation of athletes during the Games and key operational details were discussed, according to the ICF. The delegation took the opportunity to visit the Marine Stadium site in Long Beach. "The Olympic and Paralympic Games in three years are a symbol of hope, and we are pleased to host sprint competitions in one of the most beautiful sites in Long Beach. We have laid the foundations of our competitions through many discussions with the LA28 team", rejoices Thomas Konietzko.
The troop then stopped in Oklahoma City. A strategic city since it must host the Canoe Slalom World Championships and the ICF Congress in 2026, but also the 2028 Games canoe slalom events, at Riversport Water Park, subject to approval by the City of Los Angeles. “One of the best facilities in the world for our sport”, according to the president of the ICF, who symbolically received the keys to the city. « The design of the site is beautiful and I know that athletes and spectators will love this place, which is located close to the city, which makes it very special, he says. The World Championships and Congress will be held here in 2026, and then we can use this excellent environment for organize fantastic events in 2028. You can also be sure that many of our athletes and teams will be coming to Oklahoma City over the next three years to use these facilities for training." Mayor David Holt has announced his ambition to make Oklahoma City « a capital of paddle sports, not only for the nation, but for the whole world".
