For the next few days, Poznan will become the canoe capital of the world. From the 19^th to the 22^nd of August, Poznan?s Malta Regatta Course will host the World Canoe Championships.

Poznan will organize the world canoe championships for the third time. The city previously hosted the event in 19990 and 2001, when it was widely successful in organising an event of this stature. This year?s competition, held at the Malta Regatta Course, will see 1500 athletes from 80 countries across the globe compete for victory. That number will include many finalists of the World and European Championships and the Olympic Games.

Undoubtedly, this will be the sporting event of the year in Poland. Our country will be represented by many gifted athletes vying for the top trophies.

The official Championships inauguration gala will be held on Wednesday, August 18^th (8:00 p.m.) at the Malta Regatta Course. It will include a performance by the Ocelot Art Team - a spectacular acrobatic show combined with magical live music. The athletes will first lock horns on Thursday, August 19^th, and the entire championship will last until Sunday, August 22^nd. On Thursday, paracanoeists will also have a chance to prove their worth.

The final race will take place on Saturday, August 21^st and Sunday, August 22^nd. A closing ceremony has also been scheduled for Sunday (5:00 p.m.).

Admission to the championships and all the accompanying events is free.

Championships schedule:

18/08; 8.00 p.m.

Opening ceremony

19/08; 9.00 a.m.

1000 m heats and semi-finals

19/08; 4.00 p.m.

200m paracanoe heats and finals

20/08; 9.00 a.m.

500 m heats and semi-finals

20/08; 4.00 p.m.

5000 m heats

21/08; 9.00 a.m.

1000 m finals

21/08; 1.00 p.m.

200 m heats and semi-finals

21/08; 4.00 p.m.

5000 m finals

22/08; 9.00 a.m.

500 m finals

22/08; 12.00 p.m.

200 m finals

22/08; 2.00 p.m.

Relay-race finals

22/08; 5.00 p.m.