2022 ICF Sprint Canoe World Championships
The 2022 ICF Sprint Canoe World Championships were a resounding success with several podium performances for Canada – a total of 8 medals, including 3 gold. While the hardware certainly shines bright, the Canadian generosity shone even brighter with several partner organizations stepping up in support of Team Ukraine. From logistics to funding and sponsorship, all hands were on deck in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia.
Leading up to the World Championship event, Canoe Kayak Canada partnered with several different organizations to facilitate and financially support Team Ukraine‘s travel, accommodations and participation at the event.
“It was really important for us to get them out of such a horrible situation so they can train and relax and be a part of the event. It’s really an outpouring of support from Canadians to the Ukrainian family and we are proud to able to support.” says Casey Wade, CEO of Canoe Kayak Canada.
Canoe Kayak Canada (CKC) sponsored all air and ground logistics for the Ukrainian team thanks to the generous support of Provincial Government of Nova Scotia. Many of the local clubs assisted with boats and supplies along with supply partners, Nelo and Plastex. Thank you to all of our Atlantic Division clubs who provided this much needed support.
Our thanks also go out to McInnes Cooper legal (Canoe 22 event sponsor) and the federal government – Darren Fisher, MP for Dartmouth, for helping Team Ukraine arrive safely into Canada. Dalhousie University sponsored Ukrainian accommodation, Aramark Canada provided meal services, and Canoe 22 supported event entries for the Ukrainian athletes. Halifax Regional Municipality and Need-A-Lift Inc also contributed to essential services for members of their team.
Standing in solidarity, CKC launched an apparel fundraiser with Ukrainian themed CKC sweatshirts sold with all the proceeds directed to CKC’s Team Ukraine support effort.
The community generosity continued to expand throughout the event with additional companies leaning in to make a difference. Vivoblu and Water for All reached out asking how they could get their life-saving water filters into the hands of the Ukrainian team.
Water for All works around the globe to serve those in desperate need of clean water by providing Vivoblu water filtration systems that are purpose-built for use in the harshest conditions.
“The need is hard to fathom, and we are working to help as many Ukrainians as we can, as fast as we can by working every available connection,” says John DeYoung, President of Water for All. “Five filters might not seem like a lot, but these 5 filters will serve 75-100 people for three years and every one of those people has a story, has a family, has a life filled with dreams they want to live for. We are so grateful that Canoe Kayak Canada made it possible for us to get these filters directly to the Ukrainian team.”
Team Ukraine won a total of 5 medals – 2 gold, 1 silver and 2 bronze. They bring back more than just medals to their country, they bring back hope and stories of kindness in the world.