ICF and Pitesti team up to produce sustainable world championships

​The International Canoe Federation and the organising committee for the 2019 ICF Junior and U23 canoe sprint world championships in Pitesti, Romania, have unveiled details of a sustainability project they will run during the event.

​The pilot project will cover areas like recycling, sustainable products, transport and local economy and will help set new guidelines for future event hosts.
"Last year we conducted a sustainability project at a canoe slalom world cup in Augsburg, Germany, and we also joined the IOC and UN Environment's Clean Seas project," ICF sustainability co-ordinator, Catherine Wieser, said.
"Now we are focusing on our canoe sprint community. The ICF is committed to making our events all over the world environmentally sustainable, and we are excited to have the team at the 2019 ICF junior and U23 canoe sprint world championships working with us."
"Already we have been impressed by their enthusiasm and the initiatives they are hoping to implement. This will set the bar high for future events."
Underlining the commitment of the host organising committee, Budeasa Village Mayor Nicolae Mihail Rachieru and local athletes attended a preliminary meeting with the ICF. The meeting agreed on several desired outcomes for the July event.
Recycling and waste management will be a high priority as will the use of cutlery and plates instead of plastic. The goal is also to use solar and water-generated electricity at the venue, and to minimise the need for transportation.
For the first time, the ICF will conduct an information session focusing on sustainability during the event.
"Our goal is to use Pitesti to set guidelines for future ICF events," Ms Wieser said.
"We are already blessed to be in a sport where our athletes, officials and supporters are very environmentally aware, and this is our chance to capitalise on that commitment." 
The 2019 ICF junior and U23 canoe sprint world championships will be held in Pitesti, Romania, from August 1 until August 4.