A new flat water slalom course on the Swan River has officially opened today – just months after Jessica Fox won Australia’s first Olympic gold medal in the canoe slalom event.
The McGowan Government contributed $300,000 through the State Sporting Infrastructure Fund to assist in the development of the Ascot course last year.
The slalom course will be a training facility where introductory and skills courses can be run all year round, used in conjunction with advanced white water locations such as the Avon River through Walyunga National Park.
The project involved the redevelopment of existing facilities at the site which are part of the Ascot Kayak Club, the State’s largest paddling club.
Canoe slalom is all about speed and agility on a white water course. Competitors must navigate through gates in a specific order and direction and incur a penalty for touching gates or missing them.
The sport’s profile has had a recent boost in Australia following the gold medal success of slalom canoeist Jessica Fox at the Tokyo Olympic Games.
As well as being a State-level training course, the new facility will have capacity to host slalom competition events.
Fundraising by the Ascot Kayak Club and Paddle WA contributed to the balance of the $350,000 project.
As stated by Sport and Recreation Minister Tony Buti:
“I’m thrilled to announce the opening of Western Australia’s flat water slalom course.
“This purpose built, new facility will ensure future champions of the sport will have access to hone their skills on a world-class course.
“The McGowan Government’s significant investment here reflects its commitment to support and develop the sport in WA.”
As stated by Belmont MLA Cassie Rowe:
“This is a very exciting project not only for the electorate of Belmont, but for all Western Australians.
“As one of the largest sporting clubs in my electorate of Belmont, the Ascot Kayak Club has members of all ages, backgrounds and abilities.
“This redeveloped slalom course provides much needed upgrades to a thriving and passionate kayak community.”
