24-26 NOVEMBER CAGLIARI

Italy is also working at the European level to establish an international hub dedicated specifically to Para Sailing, further strengthening its commitment to this field.

The initiative strongly supported by President Ettorre and the Federal Council took shape with the establishment of the Para Sailing Academy: an excellence created by the Italian Sailing Federation to promote sailing inclusivity across Italy. The Academy offers learning and development opportunities for young sailors with disabilities, enabling them to discover the world of sailing in a safe and exciting way. The collaboration between the Para Sailing Academy and World Sailing helps make the Inclusive Development Programme a successful reality, promoting the growth of inclusive sailing on an international scale. The Italian Sailing Federation, with its ongoing commitment, continues to support the Academy, demonstrating the importance of diversity and inclusivity in sailing.

The Inclusive Development Programme in Cagliari offers an intensive experience of learning and growth for both athletes and coaches. During these five days, participants will have the opportunity to explore technical-tactical topics, gain insights into training, and apply the knowledge acquired during on-water activities. At the end of the program, a regatta with international athletes is scheduled, where they will be able to demonstrate their technical and tactical skills on the racecourse.

Another exceptional element of this initiative is the close collaboration with Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli, which will allow participants to interact directly with some team members and visit the base, offering a unique behind-the-scenes look at one of the most prestigious sailing teams in the world.

President Francesco Ettorre said: “Our academy represents an excellence in sailing. The Para Sailing Academy has once again demonstrated its vitality and commitment to Para Sailing. This initiative strengthens our commitment to inclusive sailing and brings us closer to creating an international hub dedicated to Para Sailing. I thank the Region of Sardinia, the Port Authority, the Municipality of Cagliari, and all the institutions that have made this project a reality, the III FIV Zone that coordinates all these activities, Councilor Fabio Colella, who has been working extremely actively towards the entire Para Sailing world for the past years, and the Federal Coaches who are working to make all this happen. The Sardinia Sailing Cup is an event that is enriched with appointments of absolute value for sailing. We are proud to contribute to this extraordinary journey and strongly believe in the importance of making sailing accessible to everyone.”

“The Inclusive Development Programme in Cagliari represents a new fundamental piece of the puzzle that we have been building for twenty years with the aim of promoting sport as a tool for well-being, inclusion, and integration. A project that, I am sure, will give new impetus to a movement, that of Para Sailing, which in recent times, through the work of the Academy and the many events organized throughout Italy, is involving more and more young people and providing significant competitive satisfaction to our movement. My applause, therefore, goes to President Ettorre, the entire Federation, and the Region of Sardinia for this initiative that strongly reaffirms that inclusion does not mean merely bringing together Paralympic and Olympic athletes but, above all, concretely promoting a single idea of sport without borders and barriers by enhancing the best experiences and skills.” said Luca Pancalli, President of the Italian Paralympic Committee.

“I am thrilled to bring the first IDP-C (Inclusive Development Programme-Coaching) to Italy,” said Hannah Stodel, Para World Sailing Manager. “With the reorganization of what was previously the Para Development Programme, we are paving the way for a new and exciting journey towards inclusivity. I truly believe our sport is the only truly inclusive sport, and sailing gives everyone the opportunity to experience the magic! With this new coaching course, we are accelerating the spread of knowledge and support in the sailing community for inclusive sailing and will work with extraordinary coaches; offering six countries the opportunity to create amazing programs. The Italian Para Sailing Academy is also a valuable tool and a truly fantastic example of what is possible. It also creates opportunities for the sailing community, and I think there are many lessons and programs that other countries can learn from it.”

This event represents an important step towards the expansion and promotion of inclusive sailing. The Italian Sailing Federation, in collaboration with World Sailing, will continue to support and develop these kinds of initiatives, showing that sailing is a sport accessible to everyone.