Event Industry Comes Together to Learn from 2023 ICF Canoe Slalom World Championships

by Bev Ward , Senior Major Events Consultant, UK Sport

Last week, over 35 event managers from across the sports industry attended a UK Sport observer programme at the 2023 Canoe Slalom World Championships to learn about using the catalyst of a major sports event to drive positive change.

The event had been five years in the making from bid stage through to planning and delivery. A key consideration from the bid start had been creating a sustainable event and having a positive impact on the sport.

Rather than creating new programmes, the event organisers used the event to enhance existing British Canoeing Strategy, using the existing focus and programmes embedded within the national governing body. This meant an automatic buy-in from the development team, who could see how the event could then enhance existing work programmes rather than create a distraction.

Two key strategic goals that the event focussed on were:

• Access and the Environment, working with local community groups to clear their waterways which included 50 million tonnes of Pennywort being removed. This volunteer workforce has will now continue the cleaning and maintenance of these local waterways, which will last long beyond the event.
• Women’s and Girls’ Involvement, putting in place opportunities pre-event to ensure there were exit routes for those who experience being on the water during the event in ‘come and paddle’ sessions or are just inspired to sign up. In addition, the event used UK Sport funding to train new female coaches to increase provision locally.

The social impact strategy was brought to life through strategic partnerships with the venue, local councils and the county’s Active Sports Partnership. Each of these bodies presented their reasons for getting involved and the successful outcomes they’d experienced.

Take Action, Make Impact: Social Impact at the 2023 Canoe Slalom World Championships

Delegates also heard how event organisers worked with the venue Lee Valley, the International Canoe Federation and suppliers to minimise the impact of hosting the event such as the use of plastic bottles on site. British Canoeing has used UK Sport Innovation Funding to deliver solar panels on site, taking positive action on environmental impact.

And these are not just the only results… focussing on the impact narrative is delivering new investment too as 50% of British Canoeing’s new commercial partners have resulted from the event.

Event managers had a whole day of insights from operational and impacts staff, with the organisers sharing key learnings and useful recommendations. There was also time to watch the Women’s Final – and a GB gold/silver – as well as a behind the scenes venue tour.

So, while the success of medals for British athletes and Olympic qualification was outstanding on the water, there was just as much success off it through a pragmatic and strategic approach to making a difference through the event. And the observer programme ensures the transfer of these successes and learnings continue to benefit our industry.

As part of its knowledge transfer programme, UK Sport runs observer programmes for the sports industry at specific UKS Supported live events, as well as offering other learning events, networking groups and a newsletter.

If you’re interested in being part of this knowledge transfer network, please contact us on [email protected].