Borghetto Aims to Become Europe’s Canoeing Capital with New Center
Borghetto is considered the European capital of canoeing, thanks to an advanced multi-sports center and an artificial canal capable of hosting World Cup and even World Championships events. What might seem like just a dream in the drawer of Wind Tex Canoa Club Verona president Ettore Ivaldi could, in the short term, become a reality.
It all stems from a project outlined in black and white by the fiery president of the Valle del Mincio canoe club, who is already a vice World Champion in K1 slalom and among the most appreciated technical experts, as a candidate to become head coach of the Italian women’s national team. The project was developed with the collaboration of a club member, an architect passionate about canoeing.
Natural and structural features of the site
“In Borghetto sul Mincio,” explains Ivaldi, “there are all the natural, structural, and geographical characteristics to create a unique complex in Europe. In that area, a diversion canal for irrigation water from the fields discharges into the Mincio River. The final stretch features two drops with a total elevation change of about eight meters, enough to create the ideal slope for a slalom artificial channel.”
The main advantage is that the canal already exists (one of the main expenses would be constructing it in reinforced concrete), and it allows for water that is not cold, drawn from the lake, year-round. The location is very favorable, close to Lake Garda and Verona. The new center could become a hub for all European national teams and canoe enthusiasts across the continent.
Structural and environmental project
Additionally, the land where the artificial canal and accommodation structures could be built is currently available. There are also some municipal properties with buildings that could support the facility, thereby reducing environmental impact.
Ivaldi did not waste time and contacted a hydraulic engineer from the University of Brescia, Alessandro Muraca. He presented the idea to Muraca to develop the executive project, considering all the water flow rates for the canal. He then approached the national president of the canoe federation, Franco Conforti, who expressed full support, including financial backing, from the federation.
Collaboration with local institutions
Finally, he secured a meeting with the mayor of Valeggio, Fausto Sacchetto, who was more than willing to collaborate. “To President Ivaldi,” Sacchetto admits, “I confirmed that I like the idea.” “The fact that Borghetto could become a European training center for canoeing national teams and a destination for enthusiasts, especially in winter, pleases me very much.
“The boost to tourism and image is important to us, and we are also willing to financially support the project. I asked Ivaldi to prepare a fully executable plan, and once it is ready, we will present it to the Council to decide how much to allocate. For now, it’s a promising idea,” concludes Sacchetto.
Expert in the canoeing world, President Ivaldi is convinced of the success of this initiative: “The problem for canoe enthusiasts, whether competitive or amateur, is finding places in Europe to practice in winter. Here in Borghetto, there wouldn’t be water issues, the temperature would be ideal, and we would be just a stone’s throw from a beautiful city like Verona and Lake Garda.”
