A new chapter has begun in the rafting community after United Rafting held its first Elective Congress.
The gathering marked the formal unification of the World Rafting Federation (WRF) and the International Rafting Federation (IRF) into a single governing body.
The move is aimed at strengthening governance, improving coordination, and building a more sustainable future for the sport worldwide.
WRF President Danilo Barmaz and IRF President Joseph Willis Jones opened proceedings, followed by a message from International Canoe Federation President Thomas Konietzko.
Mr Konietzko underscored the value of unity across the paddle sport family and signalled a strong commitment to future collaboration.
Fifty-six National Federations held voting rights at the Congress.
The following officials were elected to the General Board of United Rafting:
President: Danilo Barmaz (Italy)
Treasurer: Blerina Ago (Albania)
Board Members: William Kariuki Mwangi (Kenya), Hadi Seyed Ghaziasgar (Iran), Gurkan Kose (Türkiye), Boris Purjakov (Serbia)
Continental Council representatives:
- Asia: Shigeto Asano (Japan), Gautam Raj Sudip (Nepal), Yaser Alkatheeri (UAE)
- Europe: Anne-Lise Bardet (France), Zdenka Fingrova (Czechia), Emilia Kirilova Peneva (Bulgaria)
- Americas: Alba Luz Salazar Galan (Colombia), Aaron Tippett (USA)
- Africa: Mohamuud Said Mohane (Somalia), Mohsen Takrouni (Tunisia)
The newly-elected General Board will meet soon to set its initial strategic priorities.
United Rafting enters this new era committed to building a transparent, inclusive federation that serves athletes, National Federations, and stakeholders across every continent.
