IFDS decision on 2012 Paralympic Sailing Competition stands

by ISAF/IFDS on 13 Jun 2013 In September of last year, the British Paralympic Association (BPA) submitted an appeal to the Court of Arbitration of Sport (CAS) against a series of decisions made by the International Jury at the Paralympic Sailing Competition during the 3-person keelboat event. The hearing took place in London in April and CAS has now reached a decision which was communicated to all parties on 11 June 2013. The Sole Arbitrator concluded that the International Jury's decisions were related to technical rules as constituted in the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) handbook and that CAS does not have jurisdiction. Therefore the decisions of the International Association for Disabled Sailing (IFDS) on 5 and 6 September stand. IFDS President, John Twomey commented, 'IFDS is very pleased with the outcome of this hearing at which CAS confirmed the decisions of the International Race Officials. When the RYA presented the appeal in September 2012, IFDS advised CAS that it lacked jurisdiction. IFDS agrees with the arbitrator that medals should be won or lost on the water. It is regrettable that the actions of members of Team GBR led to the protest and penalty against the British Sonar team. I am glad that we can now draw a line under this matter and look back on the Paralympic Sailing Competition for the amazing spectacle that it was.' The Award will be published in its entirety by the CAS. 2012 Paralympic Sailing Competition CAS website IFDS website