2015 ICF World Championships Slalom
 
1
2
3
K1M
CZ J. PRSKAVEC
PL M. POLACZYK
US M. SMOLEN
K1W
CZ K. KUDEJOVA
DE R. FUNK
DE M. PFEIFER
C1M
GB D. FLORENCE
SI B. SAVSEK
GB R. WESTLEY
C1W
AU J. FOX
CZ K. HOSKOVA
ES N. VILARRUBLA
C2
DE ANTON/BENZIEN
FR PICCO/BISO
FR KLAUSS/PECHE

Canoe Sprint

Duisburg City plans to renovate regatta course

canoe kayak sprint regatta course duisburg germany dkv icf sportpark wedau renovation sportscene

Article from WAZ | Translation: Ulla Fischer | Proofreader: Katie Ellis | Sportscene - The city wants to invest 7.3 million Euros, out of regional and state funds into the reconstruction and renovation of the training centre at the canoe race course. These repair works are urgently needed due to poor insulation and accessibility issues for wheelchair users.

For more than 35 years, the training centre, located next to the canoe race course, has been the first choice for all aspiring German canoe athletes. Neverthetheless, the facilities, opposite the spectators’ seats, which were originally created from old boat sheds, have fallen into disrepair.

As a result, Duisburg City, which is ultimately responsible for the upkeep of the property, plans to invest in order to update the facilities. The focus of the planned works will be accessibility for all athletes. Last year, disabled athletes took part in the world cup for the first time. From 2016, the para-canoe races will become an integral part of the Paralympics and also of all other future major canoe competitions.

Training centre in need of modernisation
It became obvious that it was not just the insulation or draughty windows which was a problem at this centre. Currently, the first floor is only accessible by stairs, and assuming an athlete can access the first floor, a wheelchair would not be able to fit through the dormitory doors.

“Duisburg- Sport” wants to invest a grand total of 7.3 million Euro into the modernisation of the building. Essentially, this would only be possible through public finding, which would make up around 90% of the financing.
The German canoe federation has already planned the construction work: all buildings will be fully modernised and insulated and there will be an extension to the accommodation with more rooms being added. This will increase the number of beds from 35 to 53. Rooms with adapted bathrooms, an accessible hydraulic lift, as well as a bridge between accommodation and functional areas will be created especially for disabled athletes. However, the project still needs to be approved by the city council.

City council needs to give permission
The start of the construction work is scheduled for June 2015, assuming the city council approve the plans during its next meeting, and the project should be completed within a year. The German canoe federation are in favour of the renovations taking place in Duisburg, which, with this investment, will secure its position as a centre for national and international canoe events over the coming years.