Members of the Malta Canoe Federation recently met with Sue Hornby, the British Canoe Union’s (BCU) Director of Development, during her stay in Malta to discuss local canoe sport and explore possible means of development.

During her visit, Ms Hornby visited local canoe clubs and met representatives from each club.

Ms Hornby expanded on schemes currently enforced by the BCU which may also be applied to the sport locally. Paddle Power is one such scheme which has been designed to meet the needs of young people. It’s colourful, dynamic and youth-centred approach aims to encourage more young people to try and eventually stay in the sport, provide progression, reward achievement in a wide range of topics, as well as show youngsters all aspects of the sport – both competitive and adventurous. The scheme has recently been revised and now comprises five awards that help support a young paddler’s introduction and progress in Paddlesport.

The MCF is currently looking into upgrading its current certification courses. At the moment these are based on the BCU system, which however has since been restructured. Ms. Hornby was able to provide useful insight as to how the courses may be developed locally and what aid the BCU may provide.

MCF President Dr Peter Borg Costanzi stated that “It is indeed encouraging for us to have the support and encouragement of the BCU. Malta is an ideal location for kayaking, and by strengthening our contacts with our international counterparts we can look to more qualitative growth and development of kayaking in our warm waters, both as a leisurely activity and as a competitive sport.”

The BCU is currently lobbying to introduce canoe sport into the Commonwealth Games. The MCF strongly supports this stand and anticipates that, should the lobbying be successful, local athletes would be able to compete at the games.