A new educational programme is at the heart of a grassroots strategy aimed at developing local Canoe Freestyle talent across the state of Georgia. 

Since its launch in July 2025, the International Canoe Federation’s Columbus Centre of Excellence designated for Canoe Freestyle has implemented a series of initiatives.  

Among those is a high school programme which is now in its fourth week of a 15-week pilot plan and is already making a big impact in Georgia. 

Forming part of a broader 10-year development plan, the free programme ensures accessibility to all students, reducing financial barriers to participation that many face. 

The curriculum extends beyond on-water training and focuses on wider aspects of the sport, including teaching students how to organise and judge competitions. 

“There are many challenges children in public school systems face, we want to make this programme available and accessible for all students, in all positions,” said Dan Gilbert, President of the Whitewater Express. 

"These kids are dedicated, serious, and are really enjoying the programme.”  

Providing participants with a comprehensive understanding of event delivery, governance, and competition structure is a key objective of the Centre of Excellence. 

Organisers are seeking support from local businesses to sponsor equipment, with the aim of ensuring equal access for all participants. 

The venue, located on the Chattahoochee River, features the world’s longest urban whitewater course and focuses heavily on youth engagement and long-term athlete development.  

It is scheduled to host the 2028 ICF Canoe Freestyle World Cup and the 2029 ICF Canoe Freestyle World Championships, reinforcing Columbus’ growing reputation as an international hub for paddle sports.  

Terry Best, Chair of the ICF Canoe Freestyle Committee, said: “We are all really excited about the educational programme. It should provide huge opportunities to bring new people into our sport.” 

“We are hoping that Columbus will provide a blueprint for other centres of excellence.  

“The Canoe Freestyle Committee sees the educational programme as part of a wider initiative, one that also includes events and judge training along with other activities.  

“What we are working towards is a coordinated approach, one with regular feedback and communication between our partners where the ICF can input into the aims and objectives of the ICF Centre of Excellence and play a role in its implementation.”