2001 World Championships Cancelled

Message from Ulrich Feldhoff, ICF President

The ICF Slalom World Championships 2001, which were scheduled to take place between September 20th-23rd, 2001 on the slalom course of Ocoee Tennessee (USA) have been cancelled due to the terrorist attacks in the United States of America.

This decision was taken by the International Canoe Federation (ICF) today in cooperation with the National Federation of the United States (USACK) and the local Organizing Committee (CBEDA) in Ocoee.

The federal authorities in the United States had informed the organizers that any kind of event in the United Sates of America only may be held after the authorities of the state have guaranteed for the security of all the participants.

The authorities in Tennessee yesterday (American time) decided not to give this guarantee as huge contingents of security staff have been sent to New York and Washington.

ICF was shocked to take note of the news about the attacks in a feeling of disbelief.

The ICF President Mr. Ulrich Feldhoff has expressed the deepest sympathy of the entire canoeing movement to the families of the victims, the United States Olympic Committee (USOC), the National Federation of the United States of America and the Organizers in Ocoee.

Lake Placid, NY - Due to the terrorist attacks on the United States, the International Canoe Federation (ICF) has announced the cancellation of the 2001 Slalom World Championships on Tennessee's Ocoee River.

The decision was agreed upon by the ICF and the local organizing committee because of the uncertainties regarding air travel, staffing, athlete and spectator safety and security.

"This is extremely disheartening for all those involved," said USA Canoe/Kayak Executive Director Lisa Fish. "However, safety is our primary concern."

All international competitors currently training in the United States will be assisted in returning to their respective countries by the event organizers and the U.S. Olympic Committee.

For information, contact www.Ocoeewhitewater.com by email info@ocoeewhitewater.com or by phone (423) 496-2275.