World Sailing to grow the sport with International Federation for Athletes with Intellectual Impairments

Issued on behalf of: World Sailing

World Sailing, the world governing body of the sport, has partnered with the International Federation for Athletes with Intellectual Impairments (INAS) to jointly promote and grow sailing for people with intellectual impairments globally.

World Sailing and INAS have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that will see both organisations work together towards the development and implementation of strategies and sailing programmes for people with intellectual impairments. Furthermore, World Sailing and INAS will work to promote awareness and integration within their member organisations.

World Sailing President, Kim Andersen, said, "Sailing is an inclusive sport that is available for all to compete on a level playing field. It is a sport for all and World Sailing is fully committed to growing the sport across multiple disciplines.

"We are delighted to establish a long-term partnership with INAS and we will work closely with them to ensure a sustainable future for sailors with intellectual impairments."

INAS President, Marc Truffaut, said, "We are excited to welcome World Sailing into the INAS family, adding another International Federation to our growing list of partners.

"We are committed to growing sailing for athletes with intellectual impairments and know that together, we can offer more high level competition opportunities and make a huge impact around the world."

World Sailing will implement a new intellectual impairment discipline into its future Championships at a World, Regional and National level and as a result, INAS agrees to automatically sanction World Sailing-approved events.

INAS and World Sailing will also work together to deliver clinics and seminars for both coaches and officials each year.

As part of the agreement, World Sailing becomes a member of INAS and will hold a seat on the INAS Sport Council.

By Daniel Smith - World Sailing

Editors' notes:

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 144 Member National Authorities, the national governing bodies for sailing around the world and 117 World Sailing Class Associations.

Visit www.sailing.org or contact marketing@sailing.org to find out more.

ABOUT INAS

INAS is the International Federation for athletes with intellectual impairments, managing elite competition for 14 sports and promoting inclusion worldwide.

As well as the sports on the Paralympic programme - athletics, swimming and table tennis, - INAS provides competitions and supports eligibility and classification for basketball, cricket, cycling, football/futsal, equestrian, para hockey, rowing, alpine and Nordic skiing, Para taekwondo and tennis.

Visit www.inas.org

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