ICF applauds Queensland's bid for the 2030 World Paddle Games, anticipating a AUD$200 million economic boost

The International Canoe Federation (ICF) has expressed its approval following Paddle Australia's announcement of Queensland's official bid to host the inaugural 2030 World Paddle Games. This significant event is projected to inject over AUD$200 million into the Queensland economy. The proposed games aim to gather nearly 6,000 athletes and consolidate ten ICF World Championships under a single banner, marking the creation of one of the most extensive international paddle sport festivals ever organized.

Since its inception in October 2025, the World Paddle Games concept has garnered considerable global interest, facilitated by an open and transparent bidding process. Queensland's submission particularly impressed the ICF, reflecting the ambitious scale and forward-thinking vision the federation hoped to inspire through this event.

A transformative event for paddle sports

The World Paddle Games are poised to be a pivotal moment for paddle sports, integrating a wide array of disciplines. These include Olympic and Paralympic events such as Canoe Sprint, Canoe Slalom, Kayak Cross, and Paracanoe, alongside other popular categories like:

• Canoe Marathon
• Canoe Ocean Racing
• Wildwater Canoeing
• Canoe Polo
• Canoe Freestyle
• Dragon Boat
• Stand Up Paddling (SUP)

Strategic alignment with Brisbane 2032

A key strength of Queensland's proposal, according to the ICF, is its strategic alignment with the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The plan offers a unique chance to utilize significant Brisbane 2032 infrastructure, such as the Redland Whitewater Centre, two years ahead of the Olympics. This proactive approach highlights the legacy-driven planning that the ICF champions through its World Paddle Games model.

The combination of the Gold Coast's diverse coastal and flatwater venues with the Redland whitewater facility promises to create an...

[go to the magazine: canoeicf]

Continue with the original post:
https://www.canoeicf.com/news/icf-welcomes-queensland-bid-projected-deliver-aud200-million-impact-through-inaugural-2030