Dismay as sailing not included in 2028 Paralympics

World Sailing has vowed to continue supporting para sailing, following the news that the sport will not be included in the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympic Games.

The International Paralympic Committee delivered its verdict on 30 January to widespread dismay from the global sailing community. So far no sport has ever has its Paralympic status re-instated.

World Sailing CEO David Graham said: “We fully respect the verdict of the IPC and recognise the di culty the IPC Board faced throughout this process.

“However, we must also acknowledge that this is an extremely disappointing day for our whole sport and, particularly, 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, with the support of leading sailors worldwide.

David Graham added: “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 di cult task.”

The Royal Yachting Association expressed its “profound disappointment” at the decision, with Sara Sutcli e MBE, Chief Executive of the RYA, saying: “Para sailing is undoubtedly one of the most inclusive sports there is and we are of course both saddened and disappointed with the decision not to reinstate para sailing to the Paralympic Games for LA28. We are, however, committed to working with World Sailing as they seek to develop a long-term sustainable structure for the sport.”

Join the para sailing hub

If you are a disabled person passionate about sailing and motivated by competition, the RYA para sailing hub is a network of sailors and organisations, championed by RYA Sailability and builds upon the success of the #MoreThanSailing campaign, which aims to break down perceived barriers to participation and provide more opportunities for disabled people to get on the water.

Search for ‘para sailing hub’ on rya.org.uk