World Sailing appoints four-time Paralympian as new Para World Sailing Manager
by World Sailing 27 Mar 2023 14:19 BST
Four-time British Paralympian Hannah Stodel © World Sailing
World Sailing has appointed four-time British Paralympian Hannah Stodel as the new Para World Sailing Manager. In this role, Hannah will oversee the promotion and development of Para Sailing with the objective of achieving reinstatement to the Paralympic Games.
She will also manage and build key responsibilities with international stakeholders, including governing bodies, committees, athletes, coaches, classes and equipment manufacturers.
World Sailing is committed to achieving its goals for Para Sailing, and the addition of an experienced Para Sailor will bring a unique perspective and level of insight to the role which will help World Sailing fulfil its promise to continue the growth of Para Sailing worldwide.
Hannah said, "Para Sailing has been growing rapidly and has a bright future. We should be community-led and serving the needs of Para Sailors around the world while providing the framework for further growth within the sport. The Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games is the new target for reinstatement, and I cannot wait to consult with athletes past and present to be able to serve the needs of the next generations. This is an exciting challenge, but Para Sailing has been my passion since childhood, and I am thrilled to be able to make a difference for the worldwide community."
Koray Ezer, World Sailing's Head of International Development, said, "We are excited to welcome Hannah to World Sailing and look forward to working together for the benefit of the sport globally. Hannah's experience at the highest levels of Para Sailing and passion for the sport will be absolutely vital. This is a hugely positive step forward for Para Sailing and all forms of sailing, and we look forward to working together to support Para Sailors at upcoming Sailing World Championships and Para Development Programmes around the world."
David Graham, World Sailing CEO, added, "I am delighted that Hannah will be joining World Sailing to lead our Para Sailing Development programme. Her experience, both as an athlete and as an administrator, will be invaluable to World Sailing as we strengthen our commitment to the sport of Para Sailing and sailors around the world. Together, we will work towards our goals by improving accessibility, inclusion and diversity, creating new opportunities for sailors, coaches and officials, and work towards reinstatement for the Paralympic Games in 2032."
Hannah, who will start immediately, represented Great Britain at Athens 2004, Beijing 2008, London 2012 and Rio 2016, and a three-time World Champion in the Mixed Sonar class.