Six of the most prominent artificial canoe slalom venues across the world were examined, including the Barcelona 1992, Sydney 2000 and London 2012 Olympic whitewater centres, with the report claiming venues financed for major sport events have proved to be sustainable facilities.

It found that local communities have been able to use the facilities for several activities including local canoe clubs, rafting, freestyle canoeing and wakeboarding.

"With whitewater venues we are not only promoting canoe slalom but we are bringing additional social benefits that provide great economic opportunities," said Jean Michel Prono, chair of the ICF Canoe Slalom Committee.

"This study outlines clear examples of the legacy whitewater centres can deliver and underlines the continued sustainable value gained from constructing slalom venues for the Olympic Games and other major events."

The Segre Olympic Park built for the 1992 Olympics staged in Barcelona was among the facilities assessed by the International Canoe Federation report ©ICF



Additionally the report highlighted that technical advancements costs of constructing courses continue to be reduced, citing the recently constructed Vienna whitewater course, which with a £3.6 million ($5.4 million/€5 million) budget was constructed to international competition standards.

The study, commissioned by the ICF's Olympic Strategy Commission, is part of a wider strategy from the governing body to develop the sport globally and increase its standing in the Olympic Movement, having featured at every edition since the 1936 Berlin Olympics.

The ICF study can be accessed here.

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