Dear Canoe Polo Friends,
Welcome to a special place in the history of our sport!
For generations, Sportpark Duisburg, often referred to as the “Wimbledon of Canoeing”, has welcomed countless international championships and has become synonymous with sporting excellence. Now, it provides another perfect stage for the world’s best canoe polo athletes to compete at the highest level.
Canoe Polo is one of the most dynamic and spectacular disciplines in paddlesport. Combining speed, skill, teamwork and tactical brilliance, every match offers excitement from the opening whistle to the final seconds. It is a sport that captivates spectators, whether they are discovering Canoe Polo for the first time or have followed it for many years.
Duisburg holds a unique place in the history of Canoe Polo. It was here, at The World Games 2005, that our sport became an official World Games discipline, marking the beginning of its journey onto a bigger international stage.
These World Championships are about much more than medals. They celebrate friendship, fair play, respect and the global paddlesport family. Over the coming days, the world’s finest athletes will inspire us with their performances while demonstrating the values that unite our community across continents.
My sincere thanks go to the German Canoe Federation, the City of Duisburg, our volunteers, officials, partners and sponsors, whose commitment has made this championship possible. Your dedication will ensure an unforgettable experience for everyone involved.
I wish all athletes the very best of success, and I wish our spectators an exciting experience filled with thrilling action and the unique atmosphere that only Canoe Polo can deliver.
Thomas Konietzko
President
PADDLE WORLDWIDE
