The International Kayaking and Canoeing Federation is pleased to announce a strategic partnership with Deloitte to create a model of sustainable financial leadership. Deloitte is a global partner of the Olympic and Paralympic Games and implements a number of processes that will help ICF achieve its key strategic goals of improving efficiency and implementing reliable, transparent financial practices and policies throughout the organization. The innovative collaboration will support the strategic development of ICF and the continued rapid growth of paddle sports. ICF President Thomas Konecko, ICF Vice President Luis Rabaneda y Caselles and ICF Secretary General Richard Pettit visited the Sports Innovation Center in Madrid, Spain, at the end of February, where they met with representatives of Deloitte to officially announce the collaboration. They were welcomed by Pete Giorgio, Head of Deloitte's global sports sector and Head of Sports practice in the USA, and John Tverdy, Head of Deloitte Sports and Major Events, as well as a leading consulting partner of the IOC and the Olympic Games. There are many advantages for both sides "We are pleased to partner with Deloitte to help digitally transform our financial management system, and we value Deloitte's extensive knowledge and experience, which ensures that we achieve our ambitions to be as effective as possible throughout our organization with strong and strategic management of our finances. This collaboration is a key aspect of our Fit for the Future strategy as we strive to streamline decision-making by strengthening governance structures," said Mr. Konecko from ICF. Mr. Tverdi of Deloitte added: "Deloitte Sports is very proud to support the ICF's vision of improving efficiency and good governance. Using our experience and global presence in the field of digital finance and operations, we help ICF optimize financial processes and ensure greater transparency. This collaboration is part of our ongoing commitment to the Olympic Movement and international federations, and we look forward to expanding the ICF's mission to promote and develop paddle sports worldwide." A model of sustainable financial leadership in sports Since the start of cooperation in mid-December 2023, ICF and Deloitte have engaged all stakeholders within the organization, identified and implemented rapid results. ICF – with the support of Deloitte – aims to create a sustainable financial leadership model by ensuring accurate data management, as well as streamlining and standardizing financial processes across disciplines and departments to improve consistency and overall efficiency. This model addresses the complex financial challenges that sports organizations face today, including income instability, rising operating costs, and the need for greater transparency and sustainability. By emphasizing strategic financial management, this model promotes sustainability, transparency, and alignment with long-term goals. The collaboration is designed to set new standards for financial management, promote a culture of accountability and strategic financial management, which will contribute to the growth of the ICF and strengthen its global influence in promoting all sports related to rowing.