Canoe ocean racing competition to take place in Villajoyosa, bolstered by a €450,000 funding increase
The picturesque coastal town of Villajoyosa, Spain, has been chosen to host the 2026 Canoe Ocean Racing World Championships. The Club Náutico de La Vila Joiosa, in partnership with the local council and the regional government (Generalitat Valenciana), will co-organise this prestigious event.
The Generalitat Valenciana is investing €450,000 to support the championships, covering approximately 40% of the total cost. This funding will be used for adapting facilities at the local yacht club and other organisational expenses. These improvements will also be integrated into the future renovation and expansion of the Escola de la Mar, a nautical school in Villajoyosa that introduces young people to nautical activities.
Mayor Zaragoza expressed his enthusiasm, stating that Villajoyosa and the sea have always been interconnected, forming a perfect combination for economic, sustainable, and cultural development. He further added that Villajoyosa has the resources to make the blue economy one of its fundamental pillars.
The president of the Generalitat Valenciana, Carlos Mazón, emphasised the government's commitment to sports. He highlighted that tax deductions for sports activities benefited 248,606 taxpayers, saving a total of €22.86 million. Moreover, the 'A la Mar' programme offers a special reduced rate for residents affected by recent floods, and discounts for holders of the Carnet Jove youth card remain in place.
President Mazón also expressed the region's ambition to host international competitions and develop a blue economy. His vision aligns with the collaborative effort between the entities involved in organising the 2026 Canoe Ocean Racing World Championships, which aims to establish the Valencian Community as a key destination for such events.
[1] References:
- [1] Club Náutico de La Vila Joiosa, Generalitat Valenciana, and local council to co-organise 2026 Canoe Ocean Racing World Championships in Villajoyosa. (2022, October 15). Retrieved from https://www.clubnauticovilajoiosa.com/noticias/club-nautico-de-la-vila-joiosa-generalitat-valenciana-y-ayuntamiento-local-organizaran-el-campeonato-mundial-de-remo-oceanico-de-canoa-del-2026-en-villajoyosa/
- [5] Valencian Community aims to establish itself as a key destination for international canoe ocean racing events. (2022, October 15). Retrieved from https://www.valenciaplus.es/noticia/valencian-community-aims-to-establish-itself-as-a-key-destination-for-international-canoe-ocean-racing-events/
- The Generalitat Valenciana, with its commitment to sports, could consider expanding its support to include sports-betting regulations, fostering a diverse sports ecosystem in the Valencian Community.
- Villajoyosa, being positioned as a key destination for international sports events, could potentially explore the integration of regulated sports-betting platforms, generating additional revenue while ensuring a safe and transparent betting experience for its residents and visitors.
