Official Opening Ceremony and Bib Distribution Held at the Mayor’s Residence

As part of a long-standing tradition, Czech and international canoe slalom stars gathered at the Residence of the Mayor of Prague on the evening of June 3 for an official reception ahead of the upcoming ICF Canoe Slalom World Cup. During the ceremony, bib numbers were presented not only to members of the Czech national team but also to current Olympic medallists from Paris and World Champions from Penrith, including Jessica and Noemie Fox, kayaker Joe Clarke, and two-time World Champion Klaudia Zwolińska.

The athletes were welcomed by the Mayor of Prague, Bohuslav Svoboda, who highlighted the city’s strong and enduring connection to water and river sports in his address.

"Your sport is about mastering time, technique, and making quick decisions. These are qualities we could also use in politics. We need to be able to make the right decisions quickly, respond to changing currents, and steer the city in the right direction. I would be happy to learn from you how to avoid obstacles and keep the boat on course. Once again, welcome to Prague. I wish you success in achieving your goals, continued enjoyment of your sport, and the ability to pass your passion on to future generations," said Mayor Bohuslav Svoboda.

Words of support were also delivered by Stanislav Ježek, President of the Czech Canoe Union and former elite canoeist, who thanked the entire organizing team and volunteers whose efforts make the event possible.

"I would also like to thank all sponsors, partners, and supporters without whom it would not be possible to organize such a significant sporting event," Ježek said.

Representing the International Canoe Federation, Daniele Molmenti—Olympic Champion, World Champion, and one of the world’s leading kayakers until only a few years ago—also addressed the guests. In his speech, he expressed support for the continued development of canoe slalom and the strengthening of its international profile.

The official speeches were followed by the ceremonial presentation of bib numbers. The Czech team was represented by some of the sport’s biggest names, including Jiří Prskavec, Lukáš Rohan, Vít Přindiš, Amálie Hilgertová, Martina Satková, Tereza Kneblová, and Jakub Krejčí. Among the international stars in attendance were Paris Olympic Champion Giovanni De Gennaro and Tokyo Olympic Champion Ricarda Funk.

The evening concluded with a social gathering and reception accompanied by live piano music.

The 22nd edition of the Prague Canoe Slalom World Cup will begin in the Troja Whitewater Centre on Friday, June 5, with the kayak events. Home fans can look forward to seeing the full Czech national team compete alongside the world's best athletes at one of the most prestigious stops of the ICF Canoe Slalom World Cup series.

Photogallery (Jonas Fiedler)