The International Canoe Federation is delighted to announce the appointment of former Canadian Olympic Committee president Michael Chambers as the new chair of its ethics committee.

Mr Chambers is currently a senior partner with the Ottawa law firm Maclaren Corlett LLP, and has a long association with the Olympic movement and Olympic sports. He is also a former canoe athlete, and was president of Canoe/Kayak Canada from 1986 to 1989.

“My Olympic journey started with canoeing, albeit that I never had the talent to be an Olympic canoeist, and my now deceased parents met at a canoe club back in the 1930’s,” Mr Chambers said.

“I have a strong love of sport, and canoeing in particular, and know how important it is for the ICF to protect its image and its standing with fans, athletes and the Olympic movement.

“I am also chair of ANOC’s legal commission and am chair of the Panam Sports Legal Commission. I am also a representative of the International Partnership Against Corruption in Sport, so I believe I have a strong grounding for this important role with the ICF.

ICF secretary-general, Simon Toulson, said he was thrilled when Mr Chambers accepted the role.

“We are very conscious that it has been a challenging time for many sporting federations, but the ICF is determined to remain a leader in the fight to protect the image of sport,” Mr Toulson said.

“The role of chair of our ethics committee is very important, and Michael Chambers is perfect for that role. His history with canoeing, and the strong role he has played all around the world in promoting clean, corruption-free sport, should serve as a benchmark for the ICF and all other national sport federations.

“Michael is one of the most astute and fair-minded people in the industry. We are really fortunate and privileged to have him in this important position.”