The Paris 2024 Paralympic Games run from August 28 to September 8, and for the second Games in a row following Tokyo, sailing will not be featured. Explore below for a history on Paralympic sailing, why it was removed, and what we can do to help get it reinstated for Brisbane 2032.
Fast FAQs on Paralympic Sailing:
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- Q: When was sailing’s Paralympic debut? A: Atlanta 1996 as a demonstration sport, then gained full status in Sydney 2000
- Q: When was sailing last in the Paralympics? A: Rio 2016
- Q: Who removed it? A: The International Paralympic Committee (IPC)
- Q: Why was it removed? A: Lack of global participation. Numbers were down.
- Q: What is our next chance to get it back? A: Brisbane 2032
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How can you help?
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- If you’re a Para Athlete, sign up for regional, national, and world regattas. Reinclusion in the Paralympics is dependent upon global participation!
- Sign up for the World Sailing Para newsletter
- Sign up for one of US Sailing’s Adaptive Workshops
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- Learn about disability awareness, barriers to participation, how to create adaptations for boats and equipment, facility adjustments, and more so you can foster the growth of adaptive sailing in your area
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- Volunteer with or coach an adaptive sailing program or event near you
- Get involved with the Para Sailing committee at US Sailing and help shape the course of what’s happening nationally in the adaptive sailing scene
- Consider contributing to adaptive sailing efforts at US Sailing which supports resources for athletes across the country, including
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- Travel
- Clinics & events
- Entry fees for US athletes at national and international para events
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- Spread the word on adaptive sailing. Share with friends and family living with disabilities that there’s a space for them in the sport!
- Explore the Adaptive Sailing Resource Manual, created with the goal of providing resources and suggestions for organizations looking to develop an adaptive sailing program or expand upon an existing one. Developed by US Sailing and World Sailing.
- Explore World Sailing’s Para Inclusive Strategy
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In the meantime, tune in for the Paris Paralympics via Peacock to support the 220 Team USA Para athletes in the following sports: Para archery, Para athletics, Para badminton, Blind football, Boccia, Para canoe, Para cycling, Para equestrian, Goalball, Para judo, Para powerlifting, Para rowing, Shooting Para sport, Sitting volleyball, Para swimming, Para table tennis, Para taekwondo, Para triathlon, Wheelchair basketball, Wheelchair fencing, Wheelchair rugby, and Wheelchair tennis