The steering group of the International Canoe Rowing Federation held an encouraging first meeting with the organizers of the 2032 Olympic Games in Brisbane during a visit to Australia. President Thomas Konicko, Vice President Luis Rabaneda and General Secretary Richard Pettit met with Brisbane 2032 CEO Cindy Hook during a three-day visit to Queensland. This was the first meeting with the international federation since the official announcement of the important Olympic position. During the visit, the ICF trio also visited the proposed venues for canoeing and sprint kayaking and canoeing competitions. "We were very grateful for the opportunity to meet with the leadership of Brisbane 2032 and share our vision of how canoeing can become a successful part of the Games program. Despite the fact that the Brisbane Games are still nine years away, it is obvious that Cindy Hook and her team have got down to business. Their enthusiasm and vision are infectious, and I'm sure we're in for a fantastic Olympic Games. Of course, there is still a lot of work to be done, including on sports teams, schedules and venues. We wanted to personally convey the message that we are ready and willing to do everything necessary to help the organizers prepare for an unforgettable Games. Canoe slalom and canoe sprint will play an important role in achieving Brisbane's 2032 goal of becoming fully sustainable. At the meeting, he stressed that canoeing is connected and depends on a clean environment, and is also taking important steps towards reducing the carbon footprint of this sport," said Mr. Konitsko. Vice President Luis Rabaneda said he was impressed with all the key stakeholders and their commitments for the next nine years and beyond. "We have met so many people who will work together to ensure that the Brisbane Olympic Games provide fantastic opportunities ahead of, during and after 2032. Paddle Australia, Queensland local councils, the Queensland government and Brisbane 2032 are working closely together and sharing their vision of what the Games will look like and, most importantly for us, how our sports will fit into them. Now we have had these important face-to-face meetings, and we have a better understanding of what needs to be done from all sides. This lays an important foundation for what will be an exciting time for Brisbane and canoeing around the world," Mr Rabaneda said. ICF and Paddle Australia are already considering potential events to be held in Queensland ahead of the 2032 Olympic Games and how best to create a legacy that will benefit all stakeholders for years to come. Mr. Pettit said Oceania and the Asia-Pacific region are the two fastest growing regions for canoeing, and the ICF will continue to work hard to help the continents enhance their role. This year, the ICF World Ocean Racing Championships will be held in Western Australia, and the 2025 Canoe Slalom World Championships will be held in Sydney.