The ball is well and truly rolling at the International Canoe Federation’s first-ever Excellence Centre in Hangzhou, China.
Launched in March this year as part of the Fit for Future Evolution strategy, the facility at the Fuyang Water Sports Centre is hosting its maiden project, a Canoe Sprint Talent Identification Programme (TIP) camp, from October 13 to November 9.
More than 20 junior and U23 Canoe Sprint paddlers from Angola, Colombia, Egypt, Indonesia, India, the Philippines, Kyrgyzstan, Nigeria, Peru, and Tajikistan are currently undergoing training at the venue built for the Asian Games Hangzhou 2022.
Featuring 19 athletes from China, this is the largest-ever camp in terms of both the number of athletes and the duration.
Led by ICF Talent Pathway Manager Sebastian Cuattrin and ICF coaches Nichita Sergan and Ionel Letcae, the main purpose of the camp is to help emerging nations succeed in continental events.
With the Bolivarian Games, Southeast Asian Games, and African Canoe Sprint Championships scheduled for the next two months in 2025, training in Fuyang is the ideal setting for paddlers to prepare for these events.
The camp is also being supported by ICF Gold Status Partners Peisheng and Jiangyun Technology, showcasing their commitment to promoting paddle sport in the region and around the world.
Peisheng is providing all the boats for the camp, with athletes also having access to a world-class gym at the Fuyang Water Sports Centre.
From a kayak single to a canoe four, the variety of boats supplied by Peisheng is helping athletes get a taste of each event as they train.
Jiangyun Technology has provided ergometers that can be used to check the power of each stroke, measuring foot and seat pressure during each stroke, and other data.
They have also supplied a monitoring and tracking sensor that can be mounted on the boats, giving real-time data on the athletes’ performances.
Supported by the city, the camp adds to the legacy of the Asian Games and the ICF Hangzhou Super Cup, developing talent and strengthening paddle sport in the region.
“The ICF Excellence Centre in Hangzhou represents a powerful new model for developing our sport,” said ICF Vice President Dr. Cecilia Farias.
“Through the support of our partners Peisheng and Jiangyun Technology, and the valuable collaboration of the City of Hangzhou, we have created an environment where athletes can access world-class facilities, equipment, and expertise.
“This initiative not only strengthens the legacy of the Asian Games but also gives young paddlers from emerging nations the opportunity to gain experience, build confidence, and prepare for success at major international competitions.”
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