Paddle Worldwide is strengthening its voice for paddlesport in Europe through a new partnership with the European Olympic Committees EU Office.
The partnership, which brings Paddle Worldwide into a network of 39 organisations from across the organised sport movement, provides a platform for closer European cooperation and greater engagement in discussions shaping the future of sport in Europe.
It will also provide Paddle Worldwide access to the EOC EU Office’s expertise and tailored support on European Union matters, helping the organisation strengthen its European presence at an important stage in its evolution following its relaunch under the Paddle Worldwide identity.
A key priority will be contributing to the Olympic Movement’s collective representation in Brussels and ensuring the voice and perspective of paddlesport are reflected in important discussions on the future of European sport.
This includes the negotiations on the Multiannual Financial Framework 2028–2034 and the forthcoming European Commission Communication on a strategic vision for sport in Europe.
Paddle Worldwide President Thomas Konietzko said: “This partnership gives us an important platform to strengthen our engagement with the European sports movement and ensure that the voice and perspective of paddlesport are part of the conversations shaping the future of sport in Europe.
“Paddlesport has a unique relationship with the natural environment. Our sport depends on healthy and accessible rivers, lakes, seas and waterways, making issues such as water quality, environmental stewardship, water safety and sustainable access to natural sporting venues fundamental to our future.
“We want to use this partnership to contribute constructively to the Olympic Movement in Europe, share our experience and expertise, and work with our partners to help shape a stronger and more sustainable future for sport.
“We are delighted to become part of this network and look forward to building a long-term and productive relationship that creates value not only for Paddle Worldwide, but for the wider sporting community.”
The partnership will also support Paddle Worldwide’s wider vision of multi-year approach to further securing European funding.
While Erasmus+ will remain an important source of support for paddlesport development, Paddle Worldwide intends to broaden its engagement with other European funding opportunities, including the Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values Programme, EU4Health, the LIFE Programme and European Structural and Investment Funds.
Capacity-building will be another important element of the partnership, with Paddle Worldwide committed to developing greater in-house expertise on European affairs and funding opportunities and sharing that knowledge with its National Federations.
The organisation will make use of the EOC EU Office’s training activities, country factsheets and projects database to strengthen its understanding of European opportunities and help National Federations develop their own capacity to engage with them.