Dear Presidents, Athletes, Guides, Coaches, Technicians and Rafting lovers,
we are close to the end of this tough year that changed and is still changing our society due to the Covid-19 outbreak. I hope all of you can consider it a challenge and that 2021 will bring us out, overcoming this awful human and economic situation.
First of all I would like to send a hug to everyone who has been affected personally by the virus; I also want to include the family, teammates and friends of our beloved athlete Francisca.
Secondly I’m talking about the federal situation. I congratulate all the Federations that, despite the pandemic, managed to organise National competitions and rafting events; Boris Purjakov for organising the only international race making it possible to compete in Zubin Potok. Every occasion in the river this year has been particularly precious, reminding us that we can always move forward.
The WRF structure is developing through established and new peculiar figures. I would like to thank the Secretary General, Matteo Benciolini, assisted by Francesco Fiorini, on the international administrative matters, Xavier Postiaux and Christian Huenchuleo for the Training Programme and Stefan Purjakov for the Judges.
To these are added the Communication Commission that includes our Treasurer Blerina Ago, Nadjib M. who is working on the developing of the National Federations in the African continent, Nicole Alejandra Plagemann Guzmán and Cecilia Van Arnam for her work in South America, Priti Jindal for Asia, the press officer Claudia Nani and Marco Tomasini of the Federation of “Malta Sports for All” that recently joined WRF.
A big contribute regarding the gender equality is coming from Brazil thanks to Rebeca Fernandez; our Vice-President Fikret Yardimci is working on the sustainability of public transports; our friend and member Andrey Batalov is leading the way in the Para-Rafting world from Russia.
The working group is growing and the worldwide structure is improving, taking part to several international projects regarding environmental protection and sustainability.
I am grateful to all the new figures who are helping us sharing passion and experience enriching our World Rafting Family, where every river person who want to participate is welcome.
RSportz portal just came online and will be the starting point for efficiency.
We are renewing and concluding new agreements with governing structures in training, educational and environmental fields that will produce results soon, especially the discussion of our federation for the GAISF recognition. Once again I would stress our will to cooperate with integrity as the MoU we proposed to IRF confirms, on behalf of the Good Governance we believe in.
Last but definitely not least, a big thank to the Presidents Shaukat Pal Singh Sikand and Massimo Desiati for the effort they are putting in the organisation of their Continental Champs: India and Brazil, in the hope that many other international races will follow.
Finally I confirm that France is ready to host the World Champs 2021 (every National team will be welcomed free charge)! Our colleagues from L’Argentière-la-Bessée and the French Canoe kayak Federation are already managing every detail, especially about the World Para-Rafting Champs that will be held at the same time.
I invite you to to stay tuned on https://www.worldraftingfederation.com/news
We are looking forward to be back in the river paddling all together: we wait for you, check the WRF calendar!
The final thanks goes to the WRF Board that is becoming a close-knit team, with passion and determination: friends!
Happy holidays and happy new year to the World Rafting Family!
Your friend, Danilo
