Jens Perlwitz, President of the German Canoe Federation (DKV), hopes for a golden August. Looking ahead to the ICF Canoe Sprint and Para Canoe World Championships from 23 to 27 August on the regatta course in the Sportpark Duisburg, the DKV President held out the prospect of four to for titles for Team Germany.
In a press conference taking place in the rooms of duisport, the presenting sponsor of the World Championships, Jens Perlwitz also explained: for the fleet from the host country, it is about more than just gold and medals. The national coaches Arndt Hanisch (sprint) and Andre Brendel (para-canoe) want to get all the quota places for Paris 2024 if possible. The regatta in Duisburg serves as a qualification for the Olympic and Paralympic Games next year. The road to Paris leads via Duisburg.
The athletes want to use the tailwind from the spectator support for as many places as possible in the front. Jürgen Joachim, President of the organising Kanu-Regatta-Verein, expects a sold-out grandstand with 4,500 seats at least from Friday to Sunday, the three final days.
He made it clear that he and his largely volunteer team will not be alone in offering Team Germany the best possible conditions. A total of 91 nations have entered. The 92nd "nation" is the "Refugee Team" of the world federation ICF, for which 44 canoeists have registered so far as participants in the World Championships.
In Duisburg, a total of 42 titles in the racing and para disciplines will be contested on five competition days (Wednesday to Sunday). The DKV will be represented by one boat in each discipline. 255 races are on the programme. The ICF emphasises inclusion and combines the races of disabled and non-disabled people within one competition day.
There are no differences in the medals either. The medals were provided by the world federation. "However, we have taken the liberty of refining these medals with a laser engraving of the Tiger & Turtle landmark and making them unmistakable," says OC head Jürgen Joachim. In addition, all medal winners will receive a trophy made with the help of energy from hydrogen. These commemorative gifts were made in the workshop for the disabled.
The gift made from steel is an example of the Duisburg business community's support for the World Cup in the city. Representing Duisburger Hafen AG, Executive Board member Lars Nennhaus said of his company's role as presenting sponsor: "As the largest inland port in the world, we have water in our DNA. When you then have the chance to support one of the biggest water sports events, it's hard to say no."
Incidentally, the World Championship programme includes more than just sport. DuisburgKontor invites you to visit the Canoe Village on the Klönnewiese in the Sportpark after each day of competition. A stage programme, food trucks and a beer garden will allow you to round off the day.
The opening ceremony will take place on Tuesday, 22 August at 7 pm on the Klönnewiese in the Duisburg Sports Park in the presence of the patroness, Bundestag President Bärbel Bas. The 2023 ICF Canoe Sprint and Para Canoe World Championships Duisburg, Germany will be officially opened by the President of the world federation ICF, Thomas Konietzko, during this ceremony.
Schedule and all further information on the World Championships at www.kanuduisburg.de