OTTAWA, ON (January 15, 2016) — The International Canoe Federation (ICF) has approved a race program highlighting gender equality at the 2020 Olympic Games. The ICF has put the following program forward to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) for ratification. The IOC will make a final decision following an analysis and review after the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.

Canoe Sprint

200 metres 500 metres 1000 metres Men K-1 K-4 K-1 & K-2 C-1 & C-2 Women K-1 K-1 & K-2 & K-4 C-1 C-2

Canoe Slalom

Men K-1 C-1 Women K-1 C-1

The new program for canoe sprint includes Women’s C1 200m and Women’s C2 500m. For canoe slalom, Women’s C1 will replace Men’s C2. There are six men’s and six women’s events in the sprint program with eleven athletes for each. Slalom features an even two and two mix.

“This has been a long time coming and I commend the ICF on the new program they have approved and recommended to the IOC,” said Peter Giles, President of Canoe Kayak Canada. “Canada can take pride in being a leading voice at the international table in pushing for gender equality. There are still many factors to play out, for all sports, leading up to the IOC’s overall sport program announcement for 2020. This is a step in the right direction.”

With Women’s canoe moving to become an Olympic event, athletes will be able to access funding through Sport Canada’s Athlete Assistance program in the next carding cycle. This will greatly enhance support for the Women’s Canoe discipline.

Canoe Kayak Canada is the national governing body for competitive paddling in Canada. The organization’s vision is to be a Canadian sport for families, communities and champions. From supporting clubs to developing a competitive National Team, Canoe Kayak Canada works to grow a sport which is a rich part of Canada’s heritage.

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Media Contact:

Ian Miller

Communications and Marketing Officer, CanoeKayak Canada

613.314.1352

imiller@canoekayak.ca