Baku hosts opening of XXXVI Congress of International Canoe Federation

Baku. 25 November. REPORT.AZ/ Baku has hosted opening ceremony of the XXXVI Congress of International Canoe Federation in the Boulevard Hotel.

Report informs, opening the ceremony, Youth and Sports Minister Azad Rahimov greeted over 200 representatives from 89 countries.

He said that development of sport is one of the priorities of Azerbaijan's state policy: "Azerbaijan successfully hosts the world's most prestigious sporting events. Baku 2015 first European Games was organized at a high level. Kayak and canoe races of the competition participated over 350 athletes caused great interest. Formula 1 Grand Prix of Europe bring the world's attention to Azerbaijan. Next year Azerbaijan will host the Islamic Solidarity Games. All this is a sign of great attention to the development of sport in Azerbaijan. Our athletes have shown high results in men's and women's canoe and kayak races of Rio 2016 Olympics. I proudly note the silver and bronze medals."

The minister thanked to the ICF management for confidence in Azerbaijan to hold XXXVI Congress in Baku and wished success in its activity.

Then ICF President José Perurena López made a report, spoke about the works done over the past years, perspective of including new canoe kinds in the program of the Summer Olympic Games. Spanish official also noted possibility of including wildwater in the Olympic Games in 2024.