Paralympics bid at crucial stage

The bid to have sailing reinstated in the Paralympics is at a crucial stage, with governing body World Sailing submitting its application in June and the result known by the end of January 2023.

Sailing was featured in the Paralympic Games for 16 years between Sydney 2000 and Rio 2016, but after being dropped in 2015 it was not part of Tokyo 2020, it will not be part of the Paris Games in 2024 and the next chance is Los Angeles in 2028, where there will be 28 Olympic sports and 22 Paralympic sports.

World Sailing CEO David Graham said almost everybody at the organisation was involved in the bid, which must meet International Paralympic Committee criteria. World Sailing’s goals are to increase youth participation (below the age of 30) to 20% of total athletes and grow the number of female participants to 30% and ultimately to achieve gender parity.

Graham said: “We strongly believe our Para Sailing strategy is closely aligned to the IPC’s guiding principles and that we can deliver on the criteria set out in the IPC Questionnaire.

“It was made clear to us that the IPC Governing Board will take a much more active role into deciding which sports gain entry into LA28, and they are looking not only at fact-based evidence but a strong narrative to support the Paralympic Movement.

“Everyone is starting from the same position, no sports are guaranteed a place and we can absolutely demonstrate that Para Sailing is one of the most inclusive, diverse and universal sports on the planet today. Ultimately, the IPC Governing Board will decide which sports will be included at LA28 whether a sport meets all the set criteria or not. We will do our absolute best for our community to see Para Sailing reinstated at LA28.”

Meanwhile the RYA has launched a network aimed at increasing racing opportunities for disabled people in the UK and supporting sailing’s reinstatement in the Games. Packed with resources, training opportunities and advice, the hub will o er sailors, volunteers, coaches and supporters a place to come together as a community and grow the opportunities available. Search for ‘Para Sailing Hub’ on rya.org.uk