PARA SAILING
WORLD SAILING VOWS SUPPORT AFTER PARALYMPICS BLOW
In late 2022, World Sailing vowed to continue supporting Para
Sailing worldwide following the news that the sport would not be included in the Paralympic Games for LA28. Despite widespread dismay, talks on the subject continued behind the scenes in 2023 and a multitude of para sailing regattas and initiatives took place worldwide. The number of people taking part in para sailing continues to grow globally, in the pro ranks and amateurs in club sailing.
The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) delivered their verdict on Monday 30 January 2022, stating that they had received a number of strong bids to be part of the Games in Los Angeles.
World Sailing CEO, David Graham, said: “We fully respect the verdict of the IPC and recognise the difficulty the IPC Board faced throughout this process.
“However, we must also acknowledge that this is an extremely disappointing day for our whole sport and, particularly, Para Sailors around the world.
Despite this setback, our commitment to our Para Sailors, to the continued growth of Para Sailing, and to the wider para sport movement will only grow stronger.
“We know a life on water unlocks so many opportunities for disabled people, we know how inclusive Para Sailing is, and we are determined that Para Sailing will continue to go from strength to strength.”
World Sailing launched its #BacktheBid campaign in the summer of 2021 to restore sailing to the Paralympic Games and offer a new generation of sailors the chance to compete at the highest level.
There are now 41 nations on five continents active in Para Sailing, and over 630 active Para Sailors registered with World Sailing.
Five World Championship Para Sailing events took place in 2022 and Para Sailing made its debut at the Allianz World Sailing Championships – The Hague 2023 when sailors in Hansa 303, 2.4mR and RS Venture Connect classes competed for world titles.
David Graham added: “On behalf of World Sailing, I would like to thank the IPC for the time and consideration given to our application. There were 33 sports seeking inclusion for the LA28 Paralympic Games and we appreciate the challenge this poses to the IPC Board. No sport has successfully been reinstated and we knew this was going to be a difficult task.
“I also want to thank everyone in sailing for their efforts throughout this campaign, particularly our Para Sailing Committee and the World Sailing Board. From the highest level to the local boat club, we have seen overwhelming support for the #BacktheBid campaign, and it shows how important it is for us to work together on these big issues for the benefit of the entire sport.”