Sailing won’t be included within the Paralympic Games for LA28

Sailing is not going to be included in the Paralympic Games for LA28

by World Sailing 30 Jan 10:54 UTC

World Sailing pledges to proceed to strengthen Para Sailing

World Sailing has vowed to continue supporting Para Sailing worldwide following the news that the sport is not going to be included in the Paralympic Games for LA28.

The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) delivered their verdict right now, stating that that they had received numerous robust bids to be a half of the Games in Los Angeles.

World Sailing CEO, David Graham, mentioned, “We absolutely respect the verdict of the IPC and recognise the problem the IPC Board faced throughout this course of.

“However, we should also acknowledge that that is an extremely disappointing day for our entire sport and, in particular, for Para Sailors around the globe. Despite this setback, our dedication to our Para Sailors, to the continued progress of Para Sailing, and to the broader Para Sport movement will solely grow stronger.

“We know a life on water unlocks so many opportunities for disabled people, we know how inclusive Para Sailing is, and we’re decided that Para Sailing will proceed to go from energy to energy.”

World Sailing launched its #BacktheBid campaign in the summertime of 2021 to restore sailing to the Paralympic Games and supply a brand new generation of sailors the prospect to compete at the highest stage. There are actually 41 nations on 5 continents lively 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 will make its debut on the Allianz World Sailing Championships – The Hague 2023 later this year when sailors in Hansa 303, 2.4mR and RS Venture Connect courses will compete for world titles.

David Graham added, “On behalf of World Sailing, I want to thank the IPC for the time and consideration given to our application. There have been 33 sports activities seeking inclusion for the LA28 Paralympic Games and we respect the problem this poses to the IPC Board. No sport has efficiently been reinstated and we knew this was going to be a difficult task.

“I also want to thank everyone in sailing for his or her efforts throughout this campaign, notably our Para Sailing Committee and the World Sailing Board. From the highest degree to the local boat club, we’ve seen overwhelming assist for the #BacktheBid marketing campaign, and it exhibits how essential it us for us to work collectively on the massive points that benefit the complete sport.”

World Sailing launched its Para Sailing Development Program (PDP) in 2017 to empower sailors and coaches by rising participation in all regions. During this time, over 210 sailors and coaches from 39 nations on six continents have completed this system.

In 2022 alone, programs in the Sultanate of Oman, Singapore, Japan and Italy – where Para Kiteboarding was featured for the first time – saw a total of 40 sailors and 31 coaches from 14 nations, including Cambodia, the Islamic Republic of Iran and Malta represented for the first time.

World Sailing will now work closely with Member National Authorities (MNAs), further develop the infrastructure and assets available to Para Sailing, and provide more Para Sailors with greater opportunities within the sport.

LA28 Paralympic Games initial sport programme to feature 22 sports (IPC Press Release)

Following an in depth International Federation software and evaluate process, the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) Governing Board has permitted 22 sports for inclusion within the LA28 Paralympic Games.

The 22 sports activities approved for inclusion are governed by the following International Federations:

1. Badminton World Federation (BWF) – Para badminton

2. Boccia International Sports Federation (BISFed) – Boccia

3. International Blind Sport Federation (IBSA) – Blind football

4. International Blind Sport Federation (IBSA) – Goalball

5. International Blind Sport Federation (IBSA) – Para judo

6. International Canoe Federation (ICF) – Para canoe

7. International Equestrian Federation (FEI) – Para equestrian

8. International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) – Para desk tennis

9. International Tennis Federation (ITF) – Wheelchair tennis

10. International Wheelchair and Amputee Sports Federation (IWAS) – Wheelchair fencing

11. International Wheelchair Basketball Federation (IWBF) – Wheelchair basketball

12. World Archery – Para archery

13. World Para Athletics – Para athletics

14. World Para Powerlifting – Para powerlifting

15. World ParaVolley – Sitting volleyball

16. World Para Swimming – Para swimming

17. World Rowing Federation (FISA) – Para rowing

18. World Shooting Para Sport – Shooting Para sport

19. World Taekwondo – Para taekwondo

20. World Triathlon – Para triathlon

21. World Wheelchair Rugby (WWR) – Wheelchair rugby

22. Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) – Para cycling

In accordance with the IPC Handbook, an Organising Committee of a respective Games may suggest to the IPC one or more extra occasions in new sports, with consideration for inclusion at the absolute discretion of the IPC Governing Board.

As a part of the International Federation application course of, a report 33 Para sports activities submitted purposes to the IPC to be thought of for inclusion in the LA28 Paralympic Games. Following the complete analysis, the IPC granted LA28 the opportunity to explore the potential of including Para climbing or Para surfing, sports that haven’t been featured before on the Paralympic Games. Should LA28 put ahead any sports for consideration, a last decision shall be taken by the IPC Governing Board by the tip of 2023.

Andrew Parsons, the IPC President, said: “Determining these sports activities for inclusion to the LA28 Paralympic Games by way of the International Federation utility course of was a tremendously troublesome job for the IPC Governing Board as we acquired 33 excellent functions. All International Federations who submitted applications ought to be congratulated on the quality of their submissions as they underline that each one Para sports are getting stronger.

“The sports we have included within the LA28 Paralympic Games provide a competitive and enticing sport programme that can showcase the variety of the Paralympic Movement.

“Under our rules for determining the sport programme, there’s an possibility for a Games Organising Committee to propose a quantity of sports activities for inclusion within the Games for the IPC Governing Board to consider. We totally assist LA28’s interest in the OCOG proposed sport course of as this might be a big contribution to drive greater influence of the LA28 Paralympic Games whereas controlling price and complexity and achieving our shared objective of price neutrality across the LA28 finances.”

Casey Wasserman, LA28’s Chairperson, mentioned: “The LA28 Paralympic Games will be an unbelievable moment for elite adaptive sport against the backdrop of one of the diverse and inclusive cities on the planet. We’re wanting forward to bringing a exceptional Paralympic sport programme to life that can create an distinctive Games experience for athletes and followers. LA28 has always been about integrating the inventive power of LA into sport tradition to convey new followers into the Olympic and Paralympic Movement. As we discover potential new sports activities, we’ll consider how best to elevate the athlete and fan experience and contribute to the overall success of the Games.”

Following submission of purposes by International Federations in July 2022, the IPC assessed every candidate sport in accordance with the IPC Handbook and sought additional clarification from applicants the place needed. The IPC also labored carefully with LA28 to analyse the potential impression of sports activities on the programme, prioritising a tremendous Games experience that is fiscally and environmentally accountable.