Ahead of the championship’s Monday start, slalom icons met on Friday at Taronga Zoo to launch the competition before paddles take to the water at the Penrith Whitewater Stadium.
More than 300 athletes from more than 40 nations will descend onto Sydney for the championships, which will run from September 29 to October 4, including those as part of the ICF’s Talent Identification Program, and stars from India, Kenya, Turkey and Singapore.
All eyes will turn to Western Sydney on Monday with up to 20,000 fans expected over six action-packed days, which has been supported by $2 million in funding from the Minns Labor Government and $1.2 million from the Federal Government.
Set to deliver a major economic boost to Sydney, tickets are still available for the championships and can be purchased at: https://www.sydney2025.com/tickets.
Minister for Sport Steve Kamper said: “Sydney is Australia’s undisputed home of sport and Monday’s championships will be a major sporting and economic boost to our city’s west.
“With athletes from across the world descending onto our world-class Penrith Whitewater Stadium, the championships are poised to inspire a next generation of superstars and leave a lasting legacy for years to come.”
Federal Minister for Sport Anika Wells said:
“With the Brisbane 2032 Games on the horizon, I’m proud the Albanese Government has helped make the Championships possible contributing $1.2 million towards staging the event.
“The partnership between the Australian and New South Wales Governments enables us to host another world class spectacle, bringing economic, social and community sporting benefits to our country.
“These events are all about the athletes, so I encourage everyone to get out and support them on home soil.”
Paddle Australia President Andrew Trim said: “Paddle Australia is pleased to host the 2025 ICF Slalom World Championships in Sydney at the Penrith Whitewater Stadium, a legacy venue of the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games, which celebrates 25 years this year”
“Australian fans supported our athletes in a big way during the Paris Olympic Games, where we won three gold medals. Now fans have the opportunity to see not only our Aussies in action but the world’s best.”
Australian Olympic gold medalist Noemie Fox said: “We’ve been dreaming and waiting for this moment for a long time. The nerves and pressure are there, but I really want to channel that excitement.
“I want to focus on this opportunity and enjoy our home World Championships as much as I can.
“Sometimes you don’t realise how lucky you are, but this whole experience has reinformed my love for this venue. It’s one of the best in the world.
“And I’m proud to showcase Penrith to the world, and I can’t wait to get out there and make our community proud.”
