World Sailing appoints Massimo Dighe as Para World Sailing Manager

by Daniel Smith – World Sailing on 24 May 2016 Massimo Dighe, a London 2012 Paralympic sailor, has been appointed as Para World Sailing Manager for World Sailing, the governing body of the sport.

Dighe campaigned in the Sonar for London 2012, sailing alongside Antonio Squizzato and Paola Protopapa. After finishing 12th at London 2012, Dighe joined the former IFDS Athletes' Council before his appointment to the Para World Sailing Committee in 2015.

The Italian will start work at World Sailing's Executive Office in early July and will be responsible for promoting and developing Para World Sailing with the objective of sailing being reinstated to the 2024 Paralympic Games.

In addition, Dighe will be responsible for managing and building key relationships within World Sailing and the International Paralympic Committee, integrating Para World Sailing into the Sailing World Cup and supporting the development of the sport from development programs and race officials.

Dighe said, 'The International Paralympic Committee's decision to remove sailing from the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games rocked the sport. Since then World Sailing and the Para World Sailing Committee have been working hard to get sailing back into the Paralympic program.

'There is a lot more work to be done to achieve the result and get sailing back where it belongs and I'm excited about tackling the challenge ahead.”

On the appointment of Dighe, World Sailing Chief Executive Officer Andy Hunt commented, 'Massimo continues to be an excellent ambassador for Paralympic sailing, demonstrating passion and commitment for both development and reinstatement back into the Paralympic Games. The appointment of Massimo is a further sign of our commitment to ensure that Sailing is reinstated in the 2024 Paralympic Games. Massimo will play a pivotal role within World Sailing's Executive Office and I look forward to him joining the team.”