Slalom World Champs to leave NSW paddle legacy

NSW Minister for Sport Steve Kamper joined Olympic Gold Medallists Jess and Noemie Fox at Penrith Whitewater Stadium to announce that the Minns Labor Government is providing $250,000 for a Legacy Impact Program as part of the ICF Slalom World Championships Sydney 2025.

The Program features a number of initiatives that will inspire the next generation of paddlers and ensure the benefits of NSW hosting the event are felt long after the last medal is presented.  

The Legacy Impact Program includes the establishment of a Western Sydney Paddle Hub and Paddle Connect mobile outreach program, community group activations, scholarships for under-represented groups to get involved in paddling, coach development programs and the establishment of a new Western Sydney Para Program to provide a pathway for para-athletes.  

Supported by the NSW and Commonwealth Governments, the Sydney 2025 ICF Slalom World Championships at Penrith Whitewater Stadium from 29 September – 4 October 2025 will see the best paddlers from 50 nations compete at the Olympic venue almost exactly 25 years after Sydney 2000.  

Up to 20,000 spectators are expected to attend the World Championships which will feature 10 medal events, including Canoe and Kayak singles (C1 and K1), Canoe and Kayak Teams, and Kayak Cross.  

Tickets are on sale now for the ICF Slalom World Championships Sydney 2025 at Penrith Whitewater Stadium and can be purchased at:  https://www.sydney2025.com/tickets

Minister for Sport Steve Kamper said:  

“The countdown is on until the ICF Slalom World Championships Sydney 2025. 

“In 10 weeks’ time the world’ s best paddlers will be competing for World Championship Gold on the rapids at Penrith Whitewater Stadium. 

“Without doubt the stars of the show will be two girls from Penrith, Jess and Noemie Fox, as they strive for glory at their home world championships. 

“The NSW Government is excited to be providing $250,000 towards a Legacy Impact Program that will create lasting, inclusive participation pathways across NSW to support the next generation of paddlers inspired by the achievements of athletes at the event.” 

Member for Penrith, Karen  McKeown said: 

“Penrith is proud to be the home of the 2025 ICF Slalom World Championships, and I’m thrilled to see the NSW Government investing $250,000 in a Legacy Impact Program that will benefit our community for years to come.  

“This initiative ensures the next generation of paddlers from Western Sydney can dream big and access world-class opportunities. 

“Hosting the World Championships at Penrith Whitewater Stadium is a major win for our community.  

“It will bring international attention, boost local tourism, assist businesses and put Penrith on the map as a premier destination for world-class water sports.”  

Head of the Host Organising Committee Richard Fox said:  

“We’re looking forward to welcoming the world to western Sydney for the 2025 ICF Slalom World Championships in less than 100 days’ time. 

“It is our hope that this event will create an impact beyond the duration of the World Championships, which has now been made more possible thanks to the support of the NSW Government in the way of the Legacy Impact Program grant. 

“Using the World Championships as the vehicle for promoting health and wellbeing, our team will create opportunities for more people to get on water and participate in paddling, connect with paddling and engage in our paddling community,” he said.