Council backs ICF 2025 International Canoe Slalom Championships with sponsorship announcement

Monday, 14 April 2025

Fox sisters to compete in their hometown of Penrith. Penrith City Council is excited to be sponsoring the 2025 International Canoe Federation (ICF) Canoe Slalom World Championships to be held at Penrith Whitewater Stadium on 29 September – 4 October 2025.

Council is providing $100,000 in sponsorship, plus in-kind marketing support to Paddle Australia who will deliver the major international event that’s anticipated to deliver a $9 million return in economic benefits for the City of Penrith.

Penrith Mayor Todd Carney said, “The international championships will mark 25 years since the Sydney Olympic Games and will give the people of Penrith the chance to see Jess and

Noemie Fox in action, in their hometown, while again highlighting Penrith on the world stage.”

“Jess is the world’s greatest individual paddler of all time and Noemie, the first Olympic Gold medalist in kayak cross.

“The Fox sisters are proud Penrith locals, and this event will leverage their 2024 Paris Olympics success, attracting thousands of spectators in the stands and millions of viewers on TV screens across Australia and the world,” Cr Carney said.

The exciting six-day event is expected to attract 25,000 spectators and over 300 local, state, national and international participants who will compete for the coveted world title events.

“Supporting major international events like this is part of our strategy to grow the Penrith visitor economy, cement our City as a reputable host for major events, and showcase the natural beauty and vibrancy of Penrith to the nation and the world,” Cr Carney said.

Council’s sponsorship will assist Paddle Australia in delivering specific event infrastructure, event development and marketing, community activations, logistics, and funding staff to deliver the Championships. The event is also receiving $2 million in funding from the NSW Government and $1.2 million in funding from the Australian Government.

Cr Carney said the event also marks the continued success of the Whitewater Stadium as a venue for major sporting events.

“Since 2000 the Stadium has hosted a range of local, national and international competitions and brought hundreds of thousands of athletes and spectators to our City, which all help boost our local business, tourism and accommodation sectors.”

The Championships will not only deliver economic benefits to the City of Penrith but will also help elevate Penrith’s profile as a global events destination, attract future events, tourism and investment opportunities.

Photo captions:
Image one: Noemie Fox and Jessica Fox at Penrith Whitewater Stadium
Image two: Penrith Mayor, Todd Carney, with Jessica Fox and Noemie Fox

Information contained within this news release was correct as at Monday, 14 April 2025.