The International Canoe Federation (ICF) held the ICF Paddle Summit and meetings of the ICF Executive Committee and Board this week in Hangzhou, China. The ECA representatives in the ICF Jean Zoungrana, ECA President, Branko Lovrić, Secretary General, Andrej Jelenc, Vice-President, and Jovana Stanojević, Board member, attended the meeting where several topics were discussed.
The fruitful week kicked off with the first ICF Paddle Summit where more than 100 delegates, representing all ten ICF disciplines, gathered in Hangzhou to see how to evolve the organisation and build a stronger future together. It was the first time that all the ICF Standing Committees had held meetings in one location, leading to representatives from the different disciplines sharing views and experiences for the improvement of paddle sports. After two days of committee meetings, all the disciplines and other key stakeholders combined for the Paddle Summit on March 1 and 2. Discussions centred on topics including sustainability, venue development, event delivery and competition calendar as members look to deliver on key objectives set out in the ICF’s Fit for Future Evolution strategy.
Following the Paddle Summit, ICF Executive Committee and Board met to discuss several important topics, including the creation of a fund for innovation, continental development, development and excellence training centres, statistical data on the Paris 2024 Games, the allocation of major events, ITO’s nominations and the review of the governance and organisation of the ICF.
The ICF presented its new satellite office in Hangzhou and highlighted its new partner for the development of e-sports paddle machine, Iron Master. For the ECA, the visit to China was also an opportunity to meet and exchange views with our new partner company Peisheng.
The meeting ended with an emotional tribute by the ICF President Thomas Konietzko to Jovana Stanojević and more particularly to Branko Lovrić for his long-standing commitment to the ICF Board as ECA Secretary General representing the continental association. Namely, this was their last participation in the ICF Board meeting.
“Despite a busy programme, the members were able to appreciate the Chinese tradition, culture and gastronomy whose knowledge contributes to strengthening the ties between peoples. A Paddle Summit was perfectly organised by the Chinese Federation, the local authorities and the ICF Hangzhou Headquarters helped by the enthusiastic student volunteers. The ECA expresses its gratitude and thanks for their warm welcome,” said Jean Zoungrana after the week in China.
6.3.2025
