Dear Presidents and Members of the National Federations,
21 April 2026 will forever remain a historic date for our sport: the day on which our two international federations officially came together to form one united family under United Rafting.
This achievement belongs to all of you.
The merger became possible because both organizations, together with their member federations, believed in a shared vision for the future of rafting and worked with determination, responsibility, and mutual respect to make that vision a reality. What only a short time ago seemed ambitious has now become the foundation of a new chapter for our sport.
The future ahead of us is undoubtedly promising, but it will also require commitment, unity, and a great sense of responsibility. Important challenges await us: strengthening our international structure, promoting the growth of rafting on every continent, supporting athletes and national federations, improving our events, and increasing the recognition and visibility of our discipline worldwide. None of these objectives can be achieved alone. They can only be accomplished together.
As many of you know, I have always believed that teamwork is the true key to success. For this reason, the contribution of every federation, every official, every coach, every volunteer, and every athlete will be essential. Pau was not the conclusion of a process, but the beginning of a new journey and, I sincerely believe, the beginning of a great future for rafting.
These have been intense and demanding days for all of us. However, the passion, smiles, and extraordinary performances of our athletes — especially the younger generations — reminded us why all this work matters and why our sport deserves to continue growing stronger and more united than ever before.
I would like to express my deepest gratitude to Joe Willis for his extraordinary commitment and dedication throughout these two years of negotiations and dialogue that ultimately led to this historic result.
My sincere thanks also go to everyone who contributed to the organization of the Congress and to the success of the Pau events: the staff, volunteers, officials, organizers, and all those who worked behind the scenes with professionalism and passion.
A special thank you is extended to Ivo Ferriani, whose presence and role as Chair of the Congress gave even greater significance and prestige to this important moment for our community.
Finally, my warmest congratulations and best wishes to the newly elected Board. I am confident that, through cooperation and shared responsibility, it will guide our federation with vision, balance, and determination.
And now, it is time to work.
What I can assure you is that my commitment will always be directed to every member federation without distinction, with fairness, openness, and dedication, pursuing only one objective: the growth and strengthening of our federation — a federation that must truly belong to everyone.
Together, we have written an important page in the history of rafting. Together, we will write the next ones.
With my best regards,
Danilo Barmaz
