Please select your home edition
Edition
Savvy Navvy 2024

World Sailing commits to making sport "truly inclusive" with landmark Para Inclusive Strategy

by World Sailing 18 Jun 11:22 UTC
First Para Inclusive Strategy © World Sailing

World Sailing is targeting a return to the Paralympic Games after publishing its first Para Inclusive Strategy which will guide the growth of the sport through to 2029.

The Para Inclusive Strategy focuses on growing Para Sailing in collaboration with Member National Authorities (MNAs), major events, and within the structure of the world governing body of sailing to deliver a more inclusive sport and increase the number of countries participating in Para Sailing.

David Graham, World Sailing CEO, said, "We remain steadfast in our commitment to the development of Para Inclusive Sailing and to our long-term goal of global development which includes being reinstated in the Paralympic Games.

"The Para Inclusive Strategy shows a way forward for our members, as well as clubs, class associations and sailors to maximise the potential of Para Sailing and increase participation around the world.

"We are proud to state repeatedly: sailing is a sport for all, regardless of ability or experience, and our vision for Para Inclusive Sailing is designed to ensure everyone can enjoy life on the water."

Hannah Stodel, World Sailing's Para Sailing Manager and a four-time Paralympian, added, "This is an opportunity for the entire sport to reimagine how we engage with sailors, remove the barriers to participation and make sailing truly inclusive for all.

"We know sailing empowers disabled people to live fuller lives off the water and this strategy focuses on what is most important to our community - building a strong foundation to increase participation based on inclusivity, social impact and change, with the ambition to secure reinstatement to the Paralympic Games."

Stodel added: "At last year's Allianz Sailing World Championships in The Hague, Para Sailing was included for the first time with huge success - we're now heading into a busy Para World Sailing and national Para Inclusive Sailing season around the world: this is an exciting time for our sport, for everyone regardless of physical capability."

Over the past five years, the number of nations with sailors participating in international Para sailing competitions has increased by 30%. Significant progress has also been made in developing resources and creating regional development hubs through the Inclusive Development Program.

In the next five years, World Sailing will:

  • Sustain its worldwide reach of well over the 32 countries across three IPC regions required for inclusion in the Paralympic Games;
  • Create a comprehensive quadrennial competition calendar of Para Inclusive events;
  • Deliver Para Inclusive disciplines as part of the World Sailing Championships in Valencia in 2026 and Gdynia in 2027.
  • Maintain alignment with the IPC Athlete Classification Code while continuing to innovate;
  • Ensure the highest standards of governance including a robust anti-doping program that encompasses education as well as athlete testing.
World Sailing is also encouraging the implementation of the Safesport program within all Para Inclusive events to make sure the sport is recognised as a welcoming and safe sport where anyone can participate.

The Para Inclusive Strategy 2024-2029 is available to download in full on the World Sailing website.

Related Articles

Max Bet Bayliss 64' on the water
The culmination of over 60,000 man-hours of dedicated craftsmanship The well-respected team behind Max Bet is no stranger to the Bayliss Boatworks family, having previously entrusted us with the repower of their 66' Spencer. Posted on 4 Nov
Bayliss Boatworks new construction updates
Big Deal Bayliss 75', Tarheel Bayliss 64', Mama Seata Bayliss 76' With the glassing phase complete on Big Deal's mezzanine, our exterior team has applied Awlfair, and sanding is currently under way to ensure a smooth, polished finish before the primer is applied. Posted on 3 Nov
IGFA Red Sea Championship returns to Egypt
Multi-species tournament celebrates Red Sea sportfishing in 2025 Multi-species tournament celebrates Red Sea sportfishing while advancing game fish conservation. Posted on 1 Nov
Meet the all-new 29BAY
Capture performance, comfort, range and versatility in Contender Boats biggest bay boat ever Looking for a boat that can do it all? Contender is proud to introduce your answer in the all-new 29BAY — a handcrafted fishing machine that is everything you need it to be and more. Posted on 31 Oct
EGO® Fishing's S2 Slider: Still the champion
Thousands of happy anglers later, S2 Slider remains the most innovative landing net on the water It's said that a system is only as good as the weakest link. Then how is it that some anglers rely on junk landing nets with warped hoops and rotten or torn meshing? Posted on 31 Oct
New Breakwater waterproof gloves!
The perfect blend of flexibility and comfort for all-day wear The Breakwater gloves are built to keep your hands dry, even when fully submerged, thanks to a 100% waterproof membrane that delivers total protection in cold, wet or windy conditions. Posted on 31 Oct
New Hurricane 24 CC 24-foot Center Console
Designed from the ground-up as a family-friendly boat Punching well above its weight class with features, ride and functionality for a 24-ft boat, the Hurricane 24CC was designed from the ground-up as a family-friendly boat that is equally in its element as a platform for fishing, tow sports or day cruising. Posted on 31 Oct
Fishing: Late Fall Walleyes
Quick Q&A with seasoned walleye professional Jason Przekurat Quick Q&A with seasoned walleye professional and Whitewater Fishing pro staffer Jason Przekurat. Posted on 31 Oct
A new Freedom debuts
Freedom 345 is making its debut in Fort Lauderdale Grady-White's NEW Freedom 345 is making its debut in Fort Lauderdale. Posted on 31 Oct
Boston Whaler debuts the all-new 330 Vantage
At the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show Boston Whaler introduced its all-new 330 Vantage (“330”) today, which completes the evolution of the dual-console Vantage family lineup. Debuting at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show Posted on 31 Oct
Savvy Navvy 2024Maritimo 2023 S600 FOOTER