There was no lack of fighting spirit, ideas, backing from many sailing celebrities and revitalised international events in para-sailing's bid for a comeback. Nevertheless, the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) decided today that the sport in wind and waves will not be included in the Paralympic programme again for the time being. This initially applies with a view to LA28, the 2028 Games in Los Angeles.
Heiko Kröger: "Get up, straighten your crown, let's go!"
Heiko Kröger, Paralympics winner and member of the Athletes' Commission of the World Sailing Federation, said: "The campaign by the World Sailing Federation and all the helpers was very strong and committed, really good. There was an enormous amount of effort. That was and remains great. Nevertheless, the decision did not come as a complete surprise. We mustn't fool ourselves: By the standards of the Games for young people, we are still too old, too few women and also too expensive. We have some catching up to do when it comes to women in para-sailing, even if we are now on a very good course. In Germany, we've also moved away from talking inclusively and towards doing inclusively, we've turned the corner."
Kröger's motto for the continuation of the fight for sailing's Paralympic comeback: "Get up, straighten your crown, let's keep going!" He sees his own 2.4mR class sailing strongly into the future anyway: "We have good fields and exciting regattas. There are no worries."
World Sailing CEO David Graham: "Our commitment to para-sailing will only get stronger"
David Graham, CEO of World Sailing, commented directly on para-sailing's dashed comeback hopes: "We respect the IPC's decision and recognise the difficulties the IPC Board has had during this process. However, we must also say that this is an extremely disappointing day for our sport as a whole and in particular for para-sailors around the world."
At the same time, Graham announced: "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 get stronger." Graham explained in more detail why this will continue: "We know that a life on the water opens up so many opportunities for people with disabilities. We know how inclusive para sailing is. And we are determined that para sailing will continue to develop strongly."
After the decision is before the World Cup
In the summer of 2021, World Sailing#BacktheBid campaign was launched to achieve a sailing comeback at the Paralympic Games and to give a new generation of para-sailors the chance to sail at the highest level. Today, 41 nations on five continents are active in Para Sailing. More than 630 active para-sailors are registered with World Sailing.
Five World Para Sailing Championships were held in 2022. Para Sailing will make its debut at the Allianz World Sailing Championships - The Hague 2023 in August this year. There, male and female sailors in the Hansa 303, 2.4mR and RS Venture Connect classes will compete for the World Championship titles.
The World Sailing Federation thanks the sailing world for its great solidarity
In the World Sailing Federation's press statement, David Graham struck a conciliatory note: "On behalf of World Sailing, I would like to thank the IPC for their time and consideration of our bid. There were 33 sports bidding to be included in the LA28 Paralympic Games. We know what a challenge this is for the IPC Board. No sport has yet been successfully reinstated. We knew this would be a difficult task."
Graham expressed his thanks to all those who fought with World Sailing for the comeback: "I would also like to thank everyone in sailing for their efforts during this campaign. In particular 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. This shows how important it is for us to work together on the big issues that benefit the whole sport."
Para-sailing to be further strengthened and expanded
World Sailing launched its Para Sailing Development Programme (PDP) in 2017 to empower sailors and coaches and increase participation across all regions. In that time, over 210 sailors and coaches from 39 countries on six continents have completed the programme. In 2022 alone, a total of 40 sailors and 31 coaches from 14 nations, including Cambodia, the Islamic Republic of Iran and Malta, which were represented for the first time, took part in the programmes in the Sultanate of Oman, Singapore, Japan and Italy - where Para Kiteboarding was offered for the first time.
World Sailing will continue to work closely with national member authorities, further develop infrastructure and resources for para-sport and provide more para-sailors with more opportunities in the sport.
