Paddle Australia collaboration with Panthers Group unites two of Penrith’s most successful sporting institutions

With the countdown continuing to the ICF Slalom World Championships 2025, Paddle Australia has today announced a collaboration with the Panthers Group as a Platinum Partner of the World Championships – a collaboration that unites two of the Penrith region’s most successful sporting institutions and underscores Penrith’s place on the global sporting map.

The Panthers Group will play a central role in the ICF Slalom World Championships as the Official Accommodation Partner and Official Hospitality Partner, ensuring athletes, officials and fans experience the very best Penrith has to offer.

Penrith has long punched above its weight in the sporting world, producing Olympic gold medallists like Jess and Noemie Fox, as well as Penrith Panthers’ four-peat NRL Premiership run.

The 2025 World Championships are set to further cement the region’s legacy as a home of champions, with more than 300 elite athletes from over 40 nations set to descend on the Penrith Whitewater Stadium from 29th September to 4th October.

The partnership announcement at the newly opened Pullman Penrith was attended by Paddle Australia Chief Executive Kim Crane, Panthers Group Chief Executive Brian Fletcher, Olympic champion Noemie Fox, and Penrith Panthers premiership captain Isaah Yeo.

Crane noted “Paddle Australia is proud to be partnering with such an iconic Penrith brand in the Panthers Group.

"This is more than a partnership - it’s a celebration of Penrith’s powerhouse spirit and our shared commitment to people, place and performance. Together, we are showcasing the best of Australia to the world and creating a legacy that will ripple beyond the water.

“We’re proud to welcome Panthers Group to the Paddle Australia team - a values-aligned partner who understands that success is always a team sport.”

Fletcher added “we’re proud to support the 2025 ICF Slalom World Championships and to welcome the world to the Panthers Precinct. This partnership reflects our ongoing commitment to positioning Penrith as a leading destination for international sport and entertainment, with the precinct offering world-class facilities, hospitality, and a vibrant community experience.”

Noemie Fox enthused “It’s an amazing partnership - when a lot of people think about Penrith they think about the Panthers and to see that the whole group is supporting us is incredible.

“Personally, I respect and value this partnership - we’ve learnt so much from being around the players and to see how its reciprocated means a lot. I think it will be an incredible and long lasting partnership that we have.”

Isaah Yeo, Penrith Panthers captain added “Penrith has always backed its own and this event is a great chance to get behind another group of athletes doing amazing things on the world stage.

“I can’t wait to see the energy it brings to the community and I would encourage all of New South Wales to get behind our Australian team athletes and come along to Penrith Whitewater Stadium.”

The ICF Slalom World Championships 2025 promise six adrenaline-charged days of action, with medals awarded daily.  Tickets are on sale now via Ticketek, starting at just $15 for children and miss your chance to witness the world’s best take on Penrith’s wild water.  Click here to secure your seat.