Action at Penrith Lakes. Photo courtesy of Paddle Australia.
PADDLE Australia has announced the sponsorship by Western Sydney Lakes for the 2025 ICF Slalom World Championships, which will continue to build on its water sports legacy that began in the 1990s, with the construction of the Sydney International Regatta Centre, in preparation for the Sydney 2000 Olympics.
For the first time, Western Sydney Lakes will offer unprecedented access through a series of activations across land and water. These small group experiences will run during September, culminating during the championship events, giving a unique opportunity for visitors to experience the remarkable landscape in Western Sydney.
“Paddle Australia is looking forward to activating the relationship with Western Sydney Lakes before, during, and after the World Championships, highlighting the great sport and lifestyle opportunities the Lakes precinct, including the Sydney 2000 Olympic venues, continues to provide to the community,” said Richard Fox, Head of Host Organising Committee, 2025 ICF Slalom World Championships.
World Championships attendees can gain unprecedented access to both elite water sports competition and participatory experiences in their own backyard, further showcasing the site as a recreational destination.
“By supporting the World Slalom Championships, Western Sydney Lakes continues its transformation journey from industrial quarry to vibrant recreational destination. This partnership celebrates our historical significance in Olympic water sports whilst creating new opportunities for the community to engage with this remarkable landscape. We’re proud to inspire the next generation of outdoor enthusiasts in Western Sydney and beyond,” said Andrew Bondini, General Manager, Western Sydney Lakes.
Grant Thornton, one of Australia’s leading professional services firms, has also announced it will become a Major Partner of the ICF Slalom World Championships.
The move further strengthens its partnership with Olympic Gold Medallist and 10-time World Champion Jessica Fox OAM, whose success globally has garnered a new generation of fans here at home.
“We’re excited to sponsor the ICF World Championships event, as it’s a natural progression of our partnership with our brand ambassador, Jessica Fox OAM,” said Grant Thornton Australia CEO, Said Jahani.
“We’re proud of everything Jess has achieved in the Olympics and as a World Champion, and we’re looking forward to cheering her on at the World Championships when she defends her title.”
Jess said, “I’m very proud to welcome Grant Thornton on board as a major partner of the ICF Slalom World Championship. It’s been a wonderful partnership for me personally, as their ambassador in the lead up to the Paris Olympics, and now I’m grateful for this to expand to include supporting our sport and this global sporting event.
Jess Fox OAM. Photo: Noel Rowsell.
“It’s great to bring this partnership out of the office and onto the water together – bringing the Grant Thornton purple to Penrith. The athletes are excited and we are ready to reach for remarkable results in September.”
“Having Grant Thornton join the 2025 Slalom World Championships is a powerful show of shared vision,” said Kim Crane, CEO of Paddle Australia.
“Their continued support of Jess and now this global event shows what’s possible when partners rally behind our athletes and help bring world-class moments to life, right here on home soil.”
The 2025 ICF Slalom World Championships will be held on 29 September – 4 October at the Penrith Whitewater Stadium. With six adrenaline-charged days of action and medals awarded daily, don’t miss your chance to witness the world’s best on home soil. Tickets are on sale now via Ticketek, starting at just $15 for kids and $30 for adults.
