Three years of inclusive sailing and a sea of solidarity: the journey with the Para Sailing Academy continues

A fresh wind is filling the sails of inclusion, pushing the boundaries of solidarity and accessibility ever further. This wind, laden with hope, propels projects that chart new routes towards horizons where no one is left behind, thanks also to the continuous support of IBSA Italy for the most vulnerable. In this spirit – and in conjunction with the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, established in 1993 by the UN and the European Commission to promote global reflection on inclusion and the elimination of barriers, not only physical but also social and cultural – the Porto Turistico of Rome hosted the press conference organised by FIV (Federazione Italiana Vela, the Italian Sailing Federation) Tre anni di inclusione e innovazione: pronti a navigare verso un futuro senza limiti (“Three years of inclusion and innovation: ready to sail towards a limitless future”). The event offered the opportunity to present the results of Parasaling – a disabled sailing project which, since 2021, has placed sailing at the centre of a journey of social and sporting inclusion.

“For the significant message of inclusion it conveys to new generations of sailors and the entire community, the Para Sailing Academy (a disabled sailing school) plays a crucial role”, stated Giorgio Pisani, Vice President of IBSA Group. “Supporting this initiative means concretely committing to creating new opportunities for people with disabilities, offering them the chance to experience the sea and engage in integrated competitions. It is a gesture of collective responsibility that looks to the future with determination”.

IBSA Italy’s support over the years has enabled the Para Sailing Academy to grow and establish itself as a benchmark for inclusion in sailing. Thanks to the donation of Hansa 303 boats, designed to ensure safety and accessibility, IBSA has supported several nautical clubs across Italy, giving people with disabilities the opportunity to experience the sea and participate in regattas. Furthermore, the collaboration with CONI (Comitato olimpico nazionale italiano, the Italian National Olympic Committee), CIP (Comitato Italiano Paralimpico, the Italian Paralympic Committee) and World Sailing has created a network of qualified coaches through itinerant training tours, with the aim of increasingly opening the doors of sailing to as many people as possible. 

Parasaling is a project that not only promotes sailing, but also conveys an even more powerful message: sport can break down barriers and unite people, contributing to building a more open, fair and welcoming society for everyone.