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After the news became official local Canoe Club Olimpik organised a press conference to present the championships. “I said from the beginning that we will get his championships, I was an optimist,” said president of Croatian Canoe Federation Marko Ćuković.  

 

So far Croatia hosted canoe marathon and canoe sprint European Championships in Metković and Zagreb. Branko Lovrić, ECA’s secretary general, who was also present at the press conference said, “Well, you cannot say we do not think about other cities in Croatia. We are really happy and I think this will be a big event for Slavonski Brod. We know enthusiasts from the club and we know how important is canoeing in Brod, so we know that City and Mayor will support this competition.”

 

Canoeing is the most successful sport in Slavonski Brod, therefore the organisation of this championships is a reward for all the athletes. “Considering the situation I think many will benefit from the championships in Slavonski Brod. I am very happy because this is a huge recognition for our most successful sport. Our kayakers worked hard over the years and showed they are the strongest in Croatia,” said Mirko Duspara, the Mayor of Slavonski Brod.

 

Marko Lipovac, the force behind the organisation, said, “Four years ago, when the European Championships was in Portugal, I was there as a coach. Back then I thought we could organise it too. When the first information came out we are candidates, there were many pessimists, who did not believe in it, I was probably among the few who believed it. Luckily, the decision was unanimous and Slavonski Brod will host European Championships.”

 

The 2023 ECA Canoe Marathon European Championships is likely to be held in July.