The Azerbaijan Canoe and Rowing Federation (AKAF) organized a large-scale rowing event in connection with the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29). Held under the slogan "Row in Clean Water!", the event took place on November 17, National Revival Day, at the Baku Canoe and Rowing Sports Club area along the Seaside Boulevard.
The official part of the event was attended by the Minister of Youth and Sports, Farid Gayibov; Deputy Minister Mariana Vasileva; Executive Director of the Azerbaijan National Anti-Doping Agency (AMADA), Tahmina Taghi-zada; President of AKAF, Vugar Ahmadov; President of World Rowing, Jean-Christophe Rolland; President of the International Canoe Federation, Thomas Konietzko; President of the International Dragon Boat Federation, Claudio Schermi; Honorary President of the Asian Rowing Federation and the Global Water Sports Federation, Wang Shi; and Representative of the Global Water Sports Federation, Ken Lee. Over 50 international guests visiting Azerbaijan for COP29 also participated in the event.
Following presentations on the evaluation of environmental projects, schoolchildren from Shanghai, China, shared their thoughts on environmental protection and climate change with event participants through prepared presentations.
After the opening ceremony, a memorandum was signed between AKAF and "Deep Dive," the largest provider of water sports services in China, managing 22 water sports centers in 13 cities.
Once the official and artistic parts concluded, a rowing race involving over 50 different rowing boats was held, featuring local athletes and honorary guests. Among the rowers was Jean-Christophe Rolland, President of World Rowing and champion of the "Sydney 2000" Summer Olympic Games.
It is worth noting that the primary goal of the "Row in Clean Water!" event is to protect the environment, safeguard water resources, and strengthen and expand cooperation. The "Row in Clean Water" races are held in over 100 cities around the world.
