Paddle Australia has joined forces with the iconic Panthers Group for the 2025 International Canoe Federation Slalom World Championships.
Pioneers in the entertainment and hospitality industry in Australia, the Panthers Group has been announced as a Platinum Partner with 60 days to go for the flagship event.
Set to play a crucial role as the Official Accommodation Partner and Official Hospitality Partner, the tie-up will ensure athletes, officials, and fans can experience the best Penrith has to offer.
Owners of Penrith Panthers, one of the most successful clubs in National Rugby League (NRL) history, the collaboration underlines the city's place on the global sporting map.
Penrith is home to Olympic champions Jessica Fox and Noemie Fox, while the Panthers have claimed six NRL Premierships, including an extraordinary four consecutive titles.
“Penrith's sporting culture is well known, with the city producing Olympic champions and two of the best paddlers — Jessica Fox and Noemie Fox. Having the Panthers Group as a Platinum Partner of the 2025 ICF Slalom World Championships will ensure those attending will witness top-notch sport, entertainment, and hospitality. This partnership adds another feather to the cap of what will be a fantastic event Down Under,” ICF President Thomas Konietzko said.
The partnership announcement today was attended by Paddle Australia CEO Kim Crane, Panthers Group CEO Brian Fletcher, Paris 2024 kayak cross gold medallist Noemie Fox, and Penrith Panthers Premiership captain Isaah Yeo.
“Paddle Australia is proud to be partnering with such an iconic Penrith brand in the Panthers Group. This is more than a partnership — it’s a celebration of Penrith’s powerhouse spirit and our shared commitment to people, place and performance,” Crane said.
“Together, we are showcasing the best of Australia to the world and creating a legacy that will ripple beyond the water. We’re proud to welcome Panthers Group to the Paddle Australia team — a values-aligned partner who understands that success is always a team sport.”
“We’re proud to support the 2025 ICF Slalom World Championships and to welcome the world to the Panthers Precinct. This partnership reflects our ongoing commitment to positioning Penrith as a leading destination for international sport and entertainment, with the precinct offering world-class facilities, hospitality, and a vibrant community experience,” Fletcher said.
“It’s an amazing partnership — when a lot of people think about Penrith they think about the Panthers, and to see that the whole group is supporting us is incredible,” Fox said.
“Personally, I respect and value this partnership — learnt so much from being around the players, and to see how its reciprocated means a lot. I think it will be an incredible and long-lasting partnership that we have.”
“Penrith has always backed its own and this event is a great chance to get behind another group of athletes doing amazing things on the world stage,” Yeo said.
“I can’t wait to see the energy it brings to the community and I would encourage all of New South Wales to get behind our Australian team athletes and come along to Penrith Whitewater Stadium.”
The World Championships will be held at the Penrith Whitewater Stadium from September 29 to October 4, with more than 300 athletes from 40 countries set to compete.
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