The International Sailing Federation, World Sailing, is in the final stages of its bid to have sailing reinstated as part of the Paralympic Games program. The formal application for inclusion in Brisbane 2032 will be submitted to the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) in December 2025, following a process of adaptation to the criteria of the Paralympic Movement.

The IPC requires verifiable data in areas such as classification, anti-doping education, international participation, and governance. It also requires that events be inclusive and meet international standards, that there be clear structures for athlete development, and that national federations have mechanisms in place to participate in the process.

Inclusive strategy and structural development

The Para Inclusive Strategy, launched in 2024, establishes lines of work focused on expanded access, integrated programming, equitable governance, and a global approach to classification. In parallel, projects such as the Inclusive Development Program, the World Sailing Inclusion Championships, and the development of adapted resources for member federations and classes have been implemented.

These actions have focused on creating an operating system composed of tools, procedures, and structures designed to meet IPC requirements. The next stage of the process is based on providing data to evaluate the effectiveness of these measures.

Within the Paralympic ecosystem

The sailing competition format allows for the joint participation of people with different types of disabilities, such as physical, visual, or intellectual limitations. In addition, competitions are held in mixed and open events, without distinction by sex or age. The events take place in natural environments and have technical regulations adapted to different functional needs.

The sport includes different entry and progression pathways for athletes, with structures that allow for continuity over time. The readmission proposal takes these factors into account as part of its adaptation to the Paralympic program.

Collaboration of multiple actors

Compliance with the required criteria requires the collaboration of multiple actors within the sailing ecosystem. National federations, international classes, coaches, and athletes are involved in organizing activities, opening events to sailors with disabilities, and implementing specialized training.

Monitoring participation, technical documentation, classification processes, and educational actions are among the elements that the IPC will take into account when evaluating the application. These tasks must be carried out in a planned and documented manner over the coming months.