Dear National Federations,

As you would be aware, we have asked for your support to deal with the growing humanitarian crisis unfolding in Ukraine, and we are proud to report the response has been overwhelming. 

There have been offers of financial support, accommodation and shelter for the dozens of Ukrainian athletes who have been forced from their homeland. We thank you sincerely for all your assistance.

But now we have another request. The countries who have so generously offered to provide our Ukrainian canoeing family with accommodation, food and training facilities, now need your help.

In particular, Poland, where many displaced Ukrainians have fled. While the country has welcomed every athlete with open arms, they need more boats, paddles and other equipment to help support the athletes.

We put this request to neighbouring federations to reach out to local canoe clubs who may have equipment they can donate to the Polish Federation.

In addition, teams who are travelling to Poland for the ICF canoe sprint and paracanoe world cup on May 26-29, are asked to please, add any spare boats and equipment they may be able to donate to their trailers.

All offers of help will be warmly received. Those who can provide assistance are urged to contact Polish Federation Secretary General Jolanta Rzepka jolanta.rzepka@pzkaj.pl

Among international sport federations we are already leading the way in helping our canoeing family deal with this terrible situation. By working together we are making our community stronger.

Thank you again for your incredible generosity.

Thomas Konietzko
ICF President