ICF Paracanoe Committee activities Q2 2025

Classification Code
Paracanoe has had a very busy time as we begin the competitive season. On top of this, the new changes to the IPC Classification Code are requiring an extensive audit of our existing rules. In addition, the ICF will need to develop an implementation plan for adoption of a new Paracanoe code which will be consistent with the new 2025 IPC Code.

Programme for LA28
At the end of May, we received word that the IPC that it has included all the events (and the same number of athletes/events) that were on the Paris 2024 programme in LA28.  The IPC declined to add the VL1 or additional athlete slots.  This was a disappointment for us but of note, there were few changes in all the sports.  Most changes were caused by improving gender equity within each sport.

Competition in Full Swing
We opened the competitive season with Paracanoe events at the Poznan World Cup from May 22 to 25. A total of 23 nations competed. They collectively had 139 entries. The Asian Paracanoe Championships was successfully held concurrently with the Asian Canoe Sprint Junior and U23 Championships in June. Iran, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Thailand, India and Singapore were represented with 57 athletes in action. Classification was done on 27 athletes with 14 new paddlers competing internationally for the first time. Notably, Singapore participated for the first time. China and Japan did not feature but competed in Poznan in May. Racice in Czechia hosted the Canoe Sprint and Paracanoe European Championships from June 19 to 22, while Paracanoe races featured as part of the ECA Canoe Marathon European Championships in Ponte de Lima, Portugal from June 12 to 15. 

Development in Asia
The ICF has been asked by the Asian Paralympic Committee to do a presentation at its upcoming General Assembly on Aug 11 in Astana, Kazakhstan.  They are welcoming advice from the ICF on how they can best support the development of Asian Paracanoe athletes for LA28.  This will be an opportunity for Paracanoe to improve its standing in Asia.

By John Edwards, Chair of the ICF Paracanoe Committee