Penrith secures another international sporting event

2025 will see the world come to Penrith to compete in the ICF Canoe Slalom and Extreme Canoe Slalom World Championships.

The International Canoe Federation voted this month to award the event to Penrith; which will coincide with the 25-year anniversary of Penrith Whitewater Stadium hosting the Canoe Slalom at the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games.

The successful bid was made by Paddle Australia with the support of Penrith City Council, the Australian Government and NSW government. Phil Jones, Paddle Australia CEO said in a statement following the announcement “Our mission is to connect the community to our sport through a memorable visitor and spectator experience at the World Championships and an exciting global broadcast of all the action and the water lifestyle available in Penrith and Sydney”.

Karen McKeown OAM, Mayor of Penrith, noted the wider benefits events such as these deliver to the Penrith region.

“A successful World Championships will promote our city, be valuable to our tourism economy and give our community access to a world class event,” said Councillor McKeown.

Tourism activity contributes over half a billion dollars to Penrith’s total economic output and generates an estimated 2,887 local jobs (Source: REMPLAN using ABS and TRA data).

The stadium has delivered several international sporting events since the 2000 Olympics, including previous Senior and Junior Canoe Slalom World Championships. Penrith will also host lead up events prior to the 2025 World Championships, amplifying the potential economic benefit to the city.

Image: Penrith local Jessica Fox, canoe slalom Olympic medallist and seven-time World Champion, played a key role in supporting Penrith’s bid for the ICF Canoe Slalom World Championships