The World Rafting Federation (WRF) has hailed a partnership agreement with the International Canoe Federation (ICF) as an “essential step” towards its main goal of the sport being included in the programme for the summer Olympic Games.
Under the pact, the two federations will work together to jointly promote their activities. The deal brings the WRF under the umbrella of the ICF, but will have no impact on the running of day-to-day activities at the rafting body.
WRF president Danilo Barmaz said: “A new exciting adventure opens today and in which we have always believed. Just as we believe that the goal of the Olympic Games is possible. To underline this objective, we have a Paris 2024 Cup for youth teams in the 2018 Italian Cup.”
The WRF is working to give rafting a modern and dynamic vision, with particular attention to young people and athletes with disabilities. The creation of the Pararafting Commission was one of the first acts of the federation.
ICF secretary general, Simon Toulson, added: “Rafting is an incredibly exciting discipline which is growing strongly around the world. For the ICF, which already has under its umbrella disciplines as diverse as canoe slalom, canoe sprint and canoe polo, rafting is a natural fit.
“This partnership will be of great benefit for both federations. The ICF will help promote rafting to the international community, including the Olympic family, and the WRF will help raise the profile of the ICF among its passionate global community.”
