Celebrating Para Sailing, a sport for all

Over the last five years, the number of nations with Para Sailors participating in international Para Sailing competitions has increased by 30%, 44 nations have taken part in PDPs and there are over 600 para sailors from five continents active in the sport.

There are many inspirational stories throughout the sport, for this year’s International Day of Persons with Disabilities – held this year under the theme of “Transformative solutions for inclusive development: the role of innovation in fuelling an accessible and equitable world“ – World Sailing shines the spotlight on how the sport has enabled athletes with diverse needs to compete at the highest level.

Frances Osorio Rivera

Florida-based Frances Osorio Rivera, 34, a US Army veteran, below the left leg amputee, kiteboarding instructor and Cabrinha/Dakine sponsored athlete and sales representative took part in World Sailing’s first ever Para Kiteboarding Development Programme.

“Sports (water – wind – sail) have given everything that one can see missing as someone with a disability.

“It’s given purpose, flight, fulfillment.

“It has shown that anything can be possible, and you can accomplish more than you could ever dream of.”

 

 

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Robert Glover

Robert Glover, 23, from Walvis Bay in Namibia is driven by speed and competition, a man on a mission in sailing and many other sports!

“The reason why sport is so important – for everyone – is that it gives you that space in your own mind where whatever you do is up to you, and how you perform is up to you.

“This is especially the case in standardised classes or sports, like in sailing – because you all have the same boats, you all have the same opportunities on the course.

“It’s up to the decisions you make – nothing is predetermined. It’s all about the effort you put in, which I think is amazing. You can’t cheat effort!

“Sport also gives space from your thoughts – you are in the moment, not constantly bombarded with life’s thoughts.

“Sport gives you something good and worthwhile to focus on.”

World Sailing caught up with Robert Glover earlier this year – read more.

 

 

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Chris Symonds

Chris Symonds (57) is from a small town in Wynyard in North West Tasmania, Australia. His passion for sailing began at the age of nine and the water became his local playground. Now Chris competes at the highest level in both Para competitions and Open events, racing (and winning) against his able-bodied peers.

“I could write many words about the opportunity my sport has given.

“In fact, I am doing more in my life now that I have a disability, but you have to have the drive and will to put in to achieve.

“Sailing has provided the opportunity to travel the world competing against able bodied persons equally using equipment and support from many people including personal supports and my sponsor COINS.

“I am very fortunate, but planning, focus and commitment are key to success.”

Xu Jingkun

Xu Jingkun (33) recently became the first Chinese sailor to complete the solo transatlantic Route du Rhum race. Making his Paralympic début at Beijing 2008, Jingkun has been campaigning for disability rights and awareness his whole life. Next stop Vendée Globe 2024!

Herivelton Ferreira Anastacio

Brazilian Paralympian Herivelton Ferreira Anastacio represented his country at his home Paralympic Games at Rio 2016 after just two years on the water. He started sailing as part of his rehabilitation following a motorbike accident and says the sport gave him the will to live again.

“Sport makes you feel like you are working every molecule of your body – every little part of you reacts when you are doing some physical activity.

“In the case of Paralympic sport, it is even stronger – it is as if we are reconnecting with the part that we are physically missing.

“Sport fills in the empty spaces.”