World Sailing approves creation of Classification Sub-Committee to Strengthen Commitment to Para Inclusive Sailing

World Sailing has taken a pivotal step to strengthening the governance and integrity of Para Inclusive Sailing by approving the formation of a dedicated Classification Sub-Committee. 

This decision confirms World Sailing's firm commitment to maintaining a fair, inclusive, and globally consistent competitive structure for athletes with disabilities as the federation continues its mission to grow the sport worldwide and achieve a return of the sport into the Paralympic Games. 

The new Classification Sub-Committee will operate under the direction of the Para World Sailing Committee and will be responsible for overseeing the global integrity and governance of the athlete classification system. 

This includes developing, reviewing, and maintaining robust rules and procedures for classifying Para Sailors, ensuring consistent application across all international competitions, and collaborating with Member National Authorities (MNAs) to standardise processes in national classification. 

Kay Rawbone, Chair of the Para World Sailing Committee, said, "This is an important step forward for Para Inclusive Sailing. Classification is the bedrock of fair competition in Para sport. By creating a dedicated Sub-Committee with focused expertise, we are investing in the integrity and transparency that our Para Sailors and the wider sporting community expect and deserve. 

"This structure will enable us to deliver a classification system that enables more athletes to compete in more competitions and evolves as the sport develops. This move aligns our process with that of the International Paralympic Committee and is a strong addition to our efforts to see sailing return to the Paralympic Games programme." 

The Sub-Committee's work will be essential in facilitating the expansion of Para Sailing participation, from grassroots development programmes to international competition, ensuring that competitive opportunities acknowledge the broadest possible range of impairments while strictly upholding fairness and sporting principles. 

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About World Sailing
World Sailing is the world governing body for the sport of sailing, officially recognised by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the International Paralympic Committee (IPC).

Founded in 1907, World Sailing's vision is for a world in which millions more people fall in love with sailing. Inspired by the unique relationship between sport, technology and the forces of nature we all work to protect the waters of the world.

World Sailing is made up of 147 Member National Authorities, the national governing bodies for sailing around the world and over 100 World Sailing Class Associations.