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The Olympic Games left a lasting impression, from the opening to the closing ceremonies, led by triple Olympic medallist Tony Estanguet. Organising this European Championships continues that highlights, with the goal of giving athletes the opportunity to compete on a world-class course and allowing the public to relive the unforgettable moments of last summer—and to once again see their Olympic champions in action.

 

In this same spirit of inclusion, a training camp was also organised prior to the European Championhsips, open to athletes from smaller European federations, highlighting the commitment to developing canoeing at all levels.

 

The opening ceremony has begun with the words of Mrs. Edmonde Jardin, Mayor of Vaires-sur-Marne; Mr. Pascal Bonnetain, President of the FFCK; and Mr. Jean Zoungrana, President of the European Canoe Association. They were joined by numerous distinguished guests: Mr. Guillaume Le Lay-Felzine, President of the local urban community; General Paul Sanzey, representing the Ministry of the Armed Forces; and Mr. Yann Cucherat, High Performance Director at the French National Sports Agency. Several representatives and elected officials from government ministries, regional and departmental councils, and school sports authorities were also in attendance, demonstrating strong institutional support.

 

We were also honored by the presence of Mr. Thomas Konietzko, President of the International Canoe Federation (ICF), whose attendance was warmly welcomed.

 

All speakers paid tribute to the dedication of the volunteers, officials, judges, and FFCK teams who worked tirelessly to ensure that athletes were welcomed under the best possible conditions. They have also expressed their full support for the athletes, wishing them success, enjoyment in competition, and a memorable stay in the Paris region.

 

Nearly 200 athletes from thirty European countries will compete over the next four days for European Champion titles on this exceptional course. The competition kick off this Thursday with the team events and will continue until Sunday and the kayak cross finals—an exciting new Olympic discipline introduced at the Paris 2024 Games. Olympic medalists will no doubt be eager to reaffirm their dominance, facing tough competition ready to challenge the European hierarchy.