The International Canoe Federation’s season-long development camp is underway, with paddlers from emerging nations stepping onto the global stage in Canoe Sprint as they begin their journeys towards the Olympic Games.
Szeged, Hungary, served as the opening destination for the camp, giving participants the opportunity to train and compete alongside Olympic and world champions.
Athletes from Angola, Colombia, Egypt, India, Mozambique, Peru and Sao Tome and Principe are taking part in the programme, which began on May 5.
The camp was held alongside the opening ICF Canoe Sprint World Cup of the season.
Itthe first World Cup event to count towards the Olympic Ranking. The competition offered athletes the opportunity to earn valuable points for their countries in the race for qualification to the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
The camp is being led by ICF Development Manager and Flatwater Technical Advisor Sebastian Cuattrin, with support from Nichita Sergan and Marlene La Tour.
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ICF Vice President Dr. Cecilia Farias said: “This development camp opens the door for the next generation of athletes by giving them access to world-class coaching, facilities and competition experience.
“We are not only developing athletes, but also their coaches, helping them take knowledge and experience back to their home countries to strengthen the sport locally.
“Our goal is to reach gender equality in a sustainability manner.
“For this, we encourage all the National Federations to respond to our invitation with entries of male and female athletes.
“These camps create lasting friendships and connections between athletes and coaches, with support continuing long after the camp ends.
“For many of these paddlers, competing at World Cups and World Championships is a unique opportunity and an important step on the pathway to future Olympic and world podiums.
“We want to see more athletes from more nations becoming part of the global canoeing family.”
Among the participants was Colombia’s Sandra Lucia Scalia Castro who competed in the women’s kayak single 500m.
“The development camp in Szeged has been a very positive experience for me,” said Scalia Castro.
“I've been able to train in a high-level environment, learn from very experienced coaches, and connect with athletes from different countries.
“I feel very motivated, and I feel that each session has helped me improve both physically and mentally.
“These camps are very important for my development because they allow me to gain experience, improve my technique, and continue growing as an athlete.
“They also help me gain confidence, learn new things, and receive valuable advice that I can apply in both training and competitions.”
Angola’s Dominigos Pacavira was another development paddler who featured in Szeged, competing in the men’s canoe single over 200m, 500m and 1000m and teamed up with Manuel Antonio in the canoe double 500m.
“I'm much better now after the first week,” said Pacavira.
“Thanks to the first week of work we were able to overcome the pace at which we left home with him and do an excellent test.
“We set personal records, with the work that was done for us in the first week and I’m preparing to do better in Brandenburg.
“These camps are very important for our development because it is the best way to be prepared for an international championship.
“For those of us in Africa, we do not participate constantly but we have the possibility of being the next medallists in the world.
“With the excellent work of the technical team and if people continue to believe in us, one day our effort and dedication will be rewarded with constant improvement.
“I remain focused on becoming a world medallist.”
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