Issue date
Disappointed that sailing has been dropped from the 2020 Tokyo Paralympic Games, Yachting New Zealand is in support of moves to see it reinstated.
An announcement came from the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) on January 31 which stated that both sailing and football 7-a-side will not be included at the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics.
In response the International Sailing Federation (ISAF) have said it is disappointed and will investigate what can be done to see sailing back in the Paralympic Games, a move Yachting New Zealand will assist with in any way possible.
A statement released by sailing’s international body (on 4 February) says, “Now ISAF will promptly address any items identified by the IPC in a bid to reinstate sailing back into the Paralympic Games as soon as possible.”
Sailing for people with disabilities is unique in that it provides opportunities for a wide range of disability including those with a high level of disability.
The decision has widespread impact for New Zealand’s current Paralympic campaigners and up-coming hopefuls, as well as the potential to detrimentally affect the grass roots area of accessible sailing.
“The effect this has on New Zealand sailors currently campaigning in the Paralympic classes cannot be underestimated, both in the short term and into the future,” says David Abercrombie, Chief Executive of Yachting New Zealand. “Many of our sailors have developed their programmes with the 2020 Paralympic Games in mind, and for them this news is devastating.”
Abercrombie explains how this decision reaches further than our top level Paralympic sailors; “A lot of work has been dedicated by Yachting New Zealand to developing pathways and fostering sailing for people with disabilities, both recreational and competitive.”
“If sailing doesn’t feature on the Paralympics it will potentially discourage participation given the lack of a pinnacle event to aspire to. Athletes could start looking at alternative sports to enter into that offer the Paralympic dream.”
Abercrombie says that Yachting New Zealand is talking with Paralympics New Zealand, IFDS, ISAF, affected athletes and other stakeholders, and will offer support to initiatives to have sailing reinstated to the Paralympics.
Media enquiries to:
Jodie Bakewell-White, Yachting New Zealand
Tel. 021 709 065
Email. jodie@yachtingnz.org.nz
