International World Games Association : Canoe

Sports of The World Games

The roots of canoe polo are found in the other disciplines of canoeing. In the early thirties, canoeists from a number of European countries sat in their kayaks and started to toss balls to each other. Inevitably, a new game was born!

But having its roots in different countries meant that the sport developed in quite a few different directions. It took until 1986 to have the International Canoe Federation's (ICF) Canoe Polo Committee come to life. And in 1994 Great Britain had the honor to host the first world championships.

Since then ICF Canoe Polo World Championships have been held biennially. The rules governing international canoe polo were introduced in 1990. The game is played on an area of 35 by 23 meters, with goals of 1,5 by 1 meter hanging 2 meters above the water. Playing time for a game is twice 10 minutes, it can be interrupted by a referee for a 'time out'. The game starts with the players, 5 on each team, in their kayaks at their own goal line and the ball in the center of the field of play. The players of both teams seek to get possession of the ball which can be played by hand or by striking it with the paddles.

The opponent is allowed to tackle the player in possession of the ball, and this includes the player's boat. To make the sport interesting and fast, a player is not allowed to keep the ball for more than five seconds, after which he must surrender it to a teammate. During the game, unlimited substitutions of the players on the water and the three replacements per team can be made. The canoe polo player paddles a specially designed kayak that is up to 3 meters long. His equipment includes a helmet with facemask, body protection and a double-bladed paddle.

Canoe polo at The World Games 2005

Canoe polo events on the Official Sports Program of The World Games 2009 Kaohsiung: Men/Women Tournament

Dragon boat racing features on the Invitational Sports Program of The World Games 2009 Kaohsiung. It premiered as an Invitational Sport in 2005 Duisburg.

Dragon boat racing at The World Games 2005 Duisburg

From the first blow of the referee’s whistle the two teams fight over possession of the ball, no player being allowed to keep it for more than five seconds before passing it to a teammate with hands or paddles, ... or before scoring a goal. Tackling a ball-holding player including boat is permitted! The hard-hitting action justifies every piece of protective gear worn by the players. Canoe polo puts in its second appearance in The World Games during 2009 Kaohsiung.

The thrills and spills of the fast-paced ball game convinces everyone taking in the action. The sleek kayak hulls will clash relentlessly at the Lotus Lake venue. And the spectators will agree: canoe polo is not a sport for wusses or athletes squeamish about getting their hair wet. There are good reasons for the players to wear helmets with a facemask and a body protection.

Canoe Polo

Invitational Sport 2005 and 2009:

Dragon Boat Racing

The ritualistic Dragon Boat Race is defined by the hypnotic drumbeat which determines and synchronises the cadence of the paddlers. The drummer sits facing the crew, next to the wooden dragon’s head. The standing helmsman keeps the craft on course with a sweep oar rigged at the rear of the boat. The twenty athletes – including a minimum of eight women – sit in pairs and strike only on one side. The races originated in southern central China more than 2,500 years ago, along the banks of such iconic rivers as the Yangtze. They were the basis for annual water rituals and festival celebrations venerating the traditional Dragon deity.

Dragon Boat Racing