The International Canoe Federation conducted its first official technical visit to Los Angeles as preparations continue in full swing for the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2028.
Toshi Furuya, Chair of the ICF Canoe Sprint Committee, John Edwards, Chair of the ICF Paracanoe Committee, and Richard Fox, Chair of the ICF Canoe Slalom Committee, made the four-day trip to LA at the end of January.
They were joined by ICF Sports Director Balint Vekassy and ICF Director of Operations Cyril Nivel.
The delegation was warmly welcomed by Hoichan Kwon, Canoe Sport Manager for LA28 and other key members of the LA28 team.
Meetings covered a series of topics including event planning and strategy, logistics, technology, medical and broadcast and press.
Ticketing was also discussed after registration opened for the LA28 Ticket Draw for the Olympic Games.
A highlight of the visit was a tour of the Marine Stadium, which will host the Canoe Sprint and Paracanoe competitions in 2028.
Mr Furuya said: “The meetings with LA28 were very fruitful and it was fantastic to visit the Marine Stadium, our home for the Olympic Games.
“It was exciting to see all the plans and experience the warmth and enthusiasm of the Los Angeles community which was very energising.
“Let’s work together to make the Games great for everybody.”
Mr Edwards said: “This was a very successful site visit superbly led by LA28 Canoe Sport Manager Hoichan Kwon.
“The team showed great collegiality as we work together towards the Games.
“There is a momentum building and you can feel the excitement growing.
“I’m not saying there isn’t much work still to do but all together it’s a very promising start.
“I cannot wait for the Paralympic Games to begin in a little more than two years’ time.”
"These Games are going to be the greatest show on earth" - Richard Fox
As well as going over the plans for Canoe Sprint and Paracanoe, the ICF had meetings with the Oklahoma City team in LA as they discussed venue management and infrastructure.
Mr Fox said: “This visit enabled us to assess the progress across Games delivery areas, understand the planning approach and meet the LA team.
“There is a strong spirit of collaboration between LA28 and Team OKC, and the group working session on venue layout optimisation was extremely valuable.
“A standout was the ticketing presentation and you get the sense that these Games are going to be the greatest show on earth.”
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