ICF mourns passing of Joao Tomasini Schwertner

The International Canoe Federation is mourning the passing of long time board member and passionate canoe sports advocate, Joao Tomasini Schwertner, who died on Sunday in Brazil following complications of Covid-19. Mr Tomasini, who was 61, was one of the longest serving leaders of Olympic sport in Brazil, having been president of the Brazilian Canoe Federation (CBCa) since 1989, and a member of the Brazilian Olympic Committee since the same year. ICF President, Jose Perurena, paid tribute to his long-time colleague and friend. “Over many years Joao has been a tireless worker driving the growth and development of canoeing, not just in the Pan American region, but throughout the world,” Mr Perurena said. “Through Joao, canoeing in his region always had a strong voice at the ICF table. His passion for the sport was obvious to all, and the many hours he devoted to the sport will never be forgotten. “He was also a valued friend of everyone in the canoeing family. His passing from this dreadful virus will be felt strongly throughout the paddling world.” Mr Tomasini served as president of the South American Canoe Federation (CoSurCa) from 2010 to 2018, and had been president of the Pan American Canoe Federation (COPAC) since 2017. He first joined the board of the ICF in 1994, and served as a vice-president from 1998 until 2008, and again from 2010 to 2014. He tested positive for Covid-19 on December 17, and was admitted to the Marcelino Champagnat Hospital in Brazil the following day. He spent 30 days in the hospital’s intensive care unit. ICF vice-president and president of the German Canoe Federation, Thomas Konietzko, said canoeing owed a great debt to Mr Tomasini. “Joao was the driving force behind the incredible growth of our sport in Brazil and Pan America,” Mr Konietzko said. “He will leave a gap that we will not be able to fill. He was also a friend you could count on, and leaves a great legacy for our beloved sport. “We will miss him. My thoughts are with his...

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