Continuing to #BackTheBid

 It was a bitter blow for sailing last week when the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) announced that Para Sailing would not be included in the LA28 Paralympic Games.

In 2021 World Sailing put together a strong #BacktheBid campaign to have sailing reinstated, but it was ultimately unsuccessful. 33 sports were seeking inclusion, with only 22 approved. No sport thus far has ever been reinstated, so it was always going to be a battle.

Everyone involved in Para Sailing, and the wider sailing community, knows just how liberating being on the water and being powered by the wind can be. The Paralympics showcase sports to a far wider community and would have inspired more people to give sailing a go; the decision will have ramifications for our sport, but it is absolutely vital that the setback means we all redouble our efforts to support Para Sailing, and work towards it being included at the 2032 Paralympic Games.

"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."

The classes available to disabled sailors, such as the 2.4mR, RS Venture Connect, Hansa, Challenger, Sonar, and now Para Kiteboarding, give more options than ever as to what to sail, and more and more clubs are building facilities to enable Para Sailing to take place at their venue.

In the UK we regularly receive great reports from the Hansa and Challenger classes, which have strong and active circuits at clubs around the country.

We must make Para Sailing an intrinsic part of all sailing and ensure that the opportunities to get on the water truly are for all. Together we can do far more, and then hopefully Para Sailing can become the first sport to be reinstated to the Paralympics in 2032.