Dear Sirs,

I would like to invite you to Wielkopolska, a region with sporting verve and a perfect place for recreation and sports; to a place enriched by beautiful, natural landscapes and interesting, still developing sports infrastructure. I am sure that our guests and the contestants taking part in the ICF Canoe Sprint World Championships will experience unforgettable moments here, filled with sport emotions.

The capital of Wielkopolska is renowned for organising many international sporting events. The Malta regatta course on the Malta Lake, which has seen some fascinating canoe races, is a friendly place for sportsmen in Poznan. The organisers' past experience, backed up by numerous events held at the highest international levels guarantee that the World Championships will also be a sporting and organisational success.

The region's authorities, together with local self-government and various sports associations, pay special attention to mass sport and active forms of tourism. The Wielkopolska Region's inhabitants' sporting lifestyle is visible in their interest in sports events, events that are always followed by loyal supporters. The ICF Canoe Sprint World Championships will be, without any doubt, a great chance to further popularise spectacular canoeing in Poland.

I would like to wish all the participants of the ICF Canoe Sprint World Championships good luck in successful presentation of their skills, and wish the audience an unforgettable experience from this exciting competition.

Marek Woźniak
The Marshal of the Wielkopolska Region