Sailing will not be included in the Paralympic Games for LA28

World Para Sailing Championships © World Sailing

World Sailing pledges to continue to strengthen Para Sailing

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

The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) delivered their verdict today, stating that they had received a number of strong bids to be part of the Games in Los Angeles.

World Sailing CEO, David Graham, said, "We fully respect the verdict of the IPC and recognise the difficulty the IPC Board faced throughout this process.

"However, we must also acknowledge that this is an extremely disappointing day for our whole sport and, in particular, for Para Sailors around the world. 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 grow stronger.

"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."

World Sailing launched its #BacktheBid campaign in the summer of 2021 to restore sailing to the Paralympic Games and offer a new generation of sailors the chance to compete at the highest level. There are now 41 nations on five continents active 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 at the Allianz World Sailing Championships - The Hague 2023 later this year when sailors in Hansa 303, 2.4mR and RS Venture Connect classes will compete for world titles.

David Graham added, "On behalf of World Sailing, I would like to thank the IPC for the time and consideration given to our application. There were 33 sports seeking inclusion for the LA28 Paralympic Games and we appreciate the challenge this poses to the IPC Board. No sport has successfully been reinstated and we knew this was going to be a difficult task.

"I also want to thank everyone in sailing for their efforts throughout this campaign, particularly 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, and it shows how important it us for us to work together on the big issues that benefit the entire sport."

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

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 resources 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 extensive International Federation application and review process, the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) Governing Board has approved 22 sports for inclusion in the LA28 Paralympic Games.

The 22 sports 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 table 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 also propose to the IPC one or more additional events in new sports, with consideration for inclusion at the absolute discretion of the IPC Governing Board.

As part of the International Federation application process, a record 33 Para sports submitted applications to the IPC to be considered for inclusion in the LA28 Paralympic Games. Following the full evaluation, the IPC granted LA28 the opportunity to explore the potential of including Para climbing or Para surfing, sports that have not been featured before at the Paralympic Games. Should LA28 put forward any sports for consideration, a final decision will be taken by the IPC Governing Board by the end of 2023.

Andrew Parsons, the IPC President, said: "Determining these sports for inclusion to the LA28 Paralympic Games through the International Federation application process was a tremendously difficult job for the IPC Governing Board as we received 33 excellent applications. All International Federations who submitted applications should be congratulated on the quality of their submissions as they underline that all Para sports are getting stronger.

"The sports we have included in the LA28 Paralympic Games provide a competitive and attractive sport programme that will showcase the diversity of the Paralympic Movement.

"Under our rules for determining the sport programme, there is an option for a Games Organising Committee to propose one or more sports for inclusion in the Games for the IPC Governing Board to consider. We fully support LA28's interest in the OCOG proposed sport process as this could be a significant contribution to drive greater impact of the LA28 Paralympic Games while controlling cost and complexity and achieving our shared goal of cost neutrality across the LA28 budget."

Casey Wasserman, LA28's Chairperson, said: "The LA28 Paralympic Games will be an incredible moment for elite adaptive sport against the backdrop of one of the most diverse and inclusive cities on the planet. We're looking forward to bringing a remarkable Paralympic sport programme to life that will create an exceptional Games experience for athletes and fans. LA28 has always been about integrating the creative energy of LA into sport tradition to bring new fans into the Olympic and Paralympic Movement. As we explore potential new sports, we will consider how best to elevate the athlete and fan experience and contribute to the overall success of the Games."

Following submission of applications by International Federations in July 2022, the IPC assessed each candidate sport in accordance with the IPC Handbook and sought further clarification from applicants where needed. The IPC also worked closely with LA28 to analyse the potential impact of sports on the programme, prioritising an amazing Games experience that is fiscally and environmentally responsible.