OKLAHOMA CITY (Feb 4, 2025) – Top leaders from the International Canoe Federation (ICF) are in Oklahoma City on Thursday and Friday to plan the three-year series of world paddle sport events that will culminate in 2028 with the Los Angeles Olympic Games. Oklahoma City’s RIVERSPORT Rapids whitewater center has been named as a venue for the 2028 Olympic Games pending approval by the LA City Council.
“It is an honor to be hosting ICF President Thomas Konietzko and his leadership team,” said RIVERSPORT Founder Mike Knopp. “With support from the City and business community, RIVERSPORT has been able to partner with the ICF in hosting international race events for more than a decade. We look forward to productive planning sessions as we prepare for this next series of amazing events.”
The ICF delegation includes its President Thomas Konietzko, Vice President Lluis Rabaneda and Secretary General Richard Pettit.
The series of Canoe Slalom events planned for Oklahoma City includes the ICF World Ranking event in March of this year and again in 2027, as well as the 2026 ICF Canoe Slalom World Championships in July.
The ICF has also announced it will hold its 2026 Congress in Oklahoma City. Representatives from the ICF’s 171 member countries are expected to attend the event. The ICF administers all aspects of paddle sport worldwide and governs 10 disciplines – Canoe Sprint, Canoe Slalom, Paracanoe, Wildwater Canoeing, Canoe Marathon, Canoe Polo, Canoe Freestyle, Canoe Ocean Racing, Dragon Boat, and Stand Up Paddling.
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