34 nations now actively involved in Para Sailing

by World Sailing 20 Mar 18:14 NZDT

World Sailing has published a progress report on the World Sailing Para Inclusive Strategy 2024-2029, six months on from its launch with current participation data showing that 34 nations are now actively involved in international Para Sailing.

The update covers four main pillars of the strategy:

• Expanding global participation
• Para Inclusive Events
• Social Impact and Collaboration
• Paralympic reinstatement

In addition to the participation data which indicates the sport would meet one of the requirements for a Paralympic event, World Sailing has also implemented a dedicated Para Inclusive event schedule, and collaboration with Para and Para-preferred classes is ongoing to ensure alignment with broader international frameworks.

Further progress has been achieved with improvements to the administration of the sport including the introduction of anti-doping measures at World Championships and for Para sailors in the regular testing pool, while revision to current Para Classification Rules is also under way.

Hannah Stodel, World Sailing's Para Sailing Manager, said, "When we launched the World Sailing Para Inclusive Strategy it was with the long-term direction of the sport in mind. With a new World Sailing Para Sailing Committee in place, we are entering a new era for Para Inclusive Sailing, and while we have made solid progress in the first six months of the strategy, our overarching success will be evident over the years to come.

"We are delighted that the sailing community has embraced the strategy and our actions to enhance Para Inclusive Sailing so far. Through collaboration, innovation and a shared commitment to inclusivity, we are showing that sailing can be a sport that is open to all.

"As we move forward, we must continue to work together, support the sport, and ensure sailing continues to provide life-changing opportunities for sailors of all abilities, and show that in sailing we are all in the same boat."

Over the past five years, the number of nations competing in international Para Sailing events has grown by 30%. Para Sailing events has grown by 30%. Youth participation has risen from 16% to 19%, and women's participation has increased from 23% to 27%.

The Inclusive Development Program (IDP) has played a significant role in this expansion. In its first two years of implementation, the IDP has reached 151 participants from 34 countries, providing them with access to high-quality coaching, training opportunities, and development resources.

Additionally, the IDP has received overwhelmingly positive feedback, consistently achieving Net Promoter Scores (NPS) of 70 or higher, with some events scoring as high as 92. These high satisfaction rates underscore the program's effectiveness in providing valuable learning experiences and opportunities for growth.

Over 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.
• 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.

Read the Six-Month Update on the Implementation of the Para Inclusive Strategy 2024-2029 here.

The World Sailing Para Inclusive Strategy 2024-2029 can be read and downloaded here.