OFFICIALLY OPEN

So, we are officially open – the 2019 ICF Junior & U23 World Championships were opened last night to a barrage of fireworks, fire-eating, acrobatics and amazingly clear skies after rumbling thunder and downpours most of the day. It was quite a bizarre mix of speeches and extremism, but certainly did grab attention!

Putting the Kiwi Team centre stage of course

Little phases our own Extreme Duo

We thank greatly the Polish Canoe Federation who have pulled this together a year ahead of schedule, having seen the intended venue in Rio de Janeiro cancelled just a handful of months ago. Nearly 50 nations and 450 competitors, this will be an exciting week. And in the 91^st year of the Polish Canoe Federation, it says we have a lot to look forward to in hosting the event ourselves in 2 years’ time!

I have to confess that, amid the speeches and fire-cracks, there was a pocket of kiwis glancing at phones following the cricket (and a few glances at Wimbledon). Notwithstanding the final result, what a match to conclude quite a tournament. Big shout out to the Black Cups – they’ll be gutted of course, but that’s sport and certainly the guts of why it’s inspiring.

Hopefully we can carry that inspiration in to the coming days. Training is all but done, the event schedule is out, and great to be seeing parents arrive. We’ve had drop-ins so far from the Gilberts, Puchners and Bells, and look forward to many more. Well played btw to Julie Harris and the Gilberts in raising the tone on Saturday, finding a Chopin recital in the town hall, and dragging along Callum and Lotte Rayner. Not quite to the same level, but we’ll open the hotel doors this Saturday for team dinner, and hope many can come and join.

When in Krakow ....

And a final toast before competition begins :)