The ICF run a number of development programmes identifying talent, encouraging women to participate in canoeing and promoting the sport around the world.

Elio Kayaks will donate boats and financial support to the programmes under the new two-year deal. 

The Portuguese high-performance leading boat manufacturer already has a significant presence in world canoeing and has recently unveiled a new seat system, the first in canoeing that can be adjusted by the millimetre.

"Elio is already making a significant contribution to canoeing around the globe, so it made a lot of sense for the ICF to join in partnership," ICF marketing manager Catherine Wieser said. 

"It is especially exciting that Elio will be a major part of our development programme.

"We are running camps all over the world, often in places where resources and equipment is very hard to source.

"So to have Elio step forward in this area will provide a great boost to the development of canoeing, and cement the sport’s reputation as a truly international competition.”

Elio Kayak chief executive Elio Nogueira admitted that he hoped the new deal with the ICF would help generate more business. 

"Elio was present in the most important events of the sport in the last three years, including sprint and marathon world and European Championships," he said.

"Our partnership with the ICF will bring us value as a builder. 

"I have no doubt that our products are as good, or probably even better, then many others in the market."