Dear members of the rafting community worldwide - athletes, coaches, team managers, officials, supporters and friends -
As the year draws to a close, I wish to present a comprehensive reflection on the activities, achievements, and challenges that have characterized this season of the world rafting.
The year 2025 has been one of significant intensity and importance. It brought us outstanding events and remarkable successes, while also confronting us with complex challenges - challenges that naturally arise as our sport continues to grow at an exponential rate. This growth compels us to improve our structures, refine our organization, and strengthen our collective capacity to evolve.
Notably 2025 was a unique year in the history of our Federation as it saw the organization of both World Championships: the Junior&U23 World Rafting Championships and the Senior World Rafting Championships - two major events conducted under profoundly different circumstances.
For the first time the Junior&U23 World Championships were held in Slovenia, in close cooperation with the International Canoe Federation (ICF). Thanks to the outstanding work of the Solkan Canoe Club and the Slovenian Canoe Federation - organizations renowned for their professionalism and efficiency - the event was a resounding success. I extend my sincere appreciation to Andrej and his entire team for delivering a championship of exceptional quality, both in terms of participation and sporting results. This event significantly strengthened our collaboration with the ICF. I also wish to express my gratitude to Ms. Manuela Gawehn, whose expertise, professionalism, and human values contributed greatly to this success.
The situation in Argentina presented a diametrically different context. Despite considerable logistical and organizational difficulties, Martin Martinez and his team - supported by the Argentine Canoe Federation - successfully delivered an outstanding Senior World Championships. Following the cancellation of the Bariloche venue only a few months prior to the event, the decision to organize the Championships in Aluminé was extremely challenging for the entire WRF Board. Nevertheless, we strongly believed in supporting regions where rafting is deeply rooted and widely practiced, and we chose to proceed with determination.
This decision required substantial operational and financial effort. However, it also demonstrated a fundamental truth: when united by conviction and purpose, we are capable of achieving what may initially appear impossible. Organization remains the cornerstone of growth, and Latin America unquestionably deserves to host major global rafting events. Its local organizations and river communities merit recognition on the world stage.
I am also particularly proud and honored to serve as Chair of the WRF in a year that marked a historic milestone: the first-ever African Rafting Championship, organized independently by African institutions. This achievement stands as a testament to the commitment, competence, and passion of our African colleagues.
Kenya and the Kenyan Canoe Federation, represented by our colleague William S. and his advisors, with the invaluable support of the African Council - led by President Mr. Mamoun B. and Secretary Mr. Fari Salim - accomplished what can rightly be described as a small miracle. The event welcomed eleven participating nations, a remarkable achievement that deserves our highest recognition. Welcome, Africa, to the global rafting stage.
The year 2025 was also marked by our intensive efforts toward the reunification of the two world rafting federations. I would like to express my sincere appreciation to all those who contributed to this complex and essential process, with particular thanks to our Secretary, Mr. Matteo B., and to the IRF Vice President, Mr. Eric B.
The coming year will culminate in this reunification with the elective Congress in Pau, France. From that moment onward, we will share a renewed responsibility and a unified opportunity to advance the development of rafting worldwide, without reservations or limitations.
Throughout the year, many decisions were shaped by dialogue, debate, and at times, criticism. I fully assume responsibility for these decisions, which were taken in good faith and with a singular objective: the long-term future of rafting, both as a high-performance sport and as a vehicle for peace, solidarity, and international cooperation.
Sport must always embody peace, fair play, environmental protection, and respect for all people. These values remain central to the mission of the World Rafting Federation.
In closing, I wish to extend my heartfelt and sincere thanks to:
the entire WRF Board for their unwavering support and dedication; all WRF commissions; Massimo D., our exemplary sportsman; the Continental Councils and their Presidents; Stefan P. and all international judges; Francesco, Claudia and all volunteers; our athletes and coaches; the national federation Presidents, who work tirelessly to secure a successful future for rafting; Oleksandr B., who continues to carry out meaningful activities with Ukrainian children under difficult circumstances; and, above all our Secretary, Matteo B. without whom none of this work would be possible. My deepest gratitude goes to all volunteers who devote their time and energy driven purely by passion - passion for rafting.
I also extend my sincere thanks to the ICF, the ECA, and all governments and institutions that continue to support our movement.
With heartfelt appreciation, best wishes for the holiday season for a prosperous, successful, and peaceful year ahead.
Yours sincerely,
Danilo Barmaz
President of the World Rafting Federation (WRF)
