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

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