The first Paralympic Development Program organized by World Sailing, the world sailing federation dedicated to kite, will take place from 22 to 26 June, in Campione, on Lake Garda and will see the participation of technicians, coaches and athletes from all over the world.

World Sailing supports the development of Para Kiting by organizing the first edition of the Para Development Program dedicated to the young and adrenaline-pumping discipline at the Univela di Campione del Garda.

The World Sailing Federation, World Sailing, has developed a strategy that aims to increase participation in the Paralympic sailing discipline, to reach 45 nations on all continents by the end of 2023.

In the last five years, participation has already grown by over 30% and initiatives such as the PDP offer the opportunity to involve an increasing number of athletes, to guarantee training for technicians and coaches, and to make the various national classification systems homogeneous. for international events.

A greater participation of sailors from all over the world also actively supports the reintroduction of sailing at the Paralympic Games in Los Angeles 2028.

"I am very happy that this PDP has been organized, and even more so that it takes place on Lake Garda. This event is a milestone for Paralympic sailing, an opportunity for our sport to progress towards a new discipline that will allow us to reach new athletes and a new audience, and at the same time demonstrate the commitment of World Sailing to continue. to make the sport of Paralympic sailing grow, keeping it up to date. " Massimo Dighe, Para Sailing Manager of World Sailing said. "World Sailing has worked hard to ensure that this event goes through and we are happy with the incredible response we have received, with athletes and coaches arriving from all over the world; the cooperation with IKA that welcomed us with open arms in one of their main events also demonstrates once again how our sport is an example of inclusiveness and diversity ".

Athletes and coaches from all over the world, from Europe, to the United States and Australia, will participate in the Garda event at Univela Campione, on Lake Garda, a site completely accessible to all different disabilities.

Italy will be represented by the young Neapolitan kiter Alessandro Lancelotti, who well represents the passion of young people for a fast and adrenaline-pumping discipline like kite foil. Alessandro also speaks the language of his peers through incredible videos and photos on social media, thus contributing to the dissemination of the image of Paralympic sport, and of sailing in particular.
Here, a video of him on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/p/CTb7HYNj-qk/

“I am very happy that, after years, we have finally reached this important milestone that could pave the way for international para kiting competitions. It is a truly fascinating discipline, which can be practiced anywhere and does not require special conditions to be able to "fly". And young people like it, it has a beautiful image and allows you to reach the athletes of my generation in an easy and direct way. " Alessandro Lancelotti says. “I am also happy to be able to take part in this first PDP in Campione del Garda, I will be able to meet other athletes with whom I have been in contact but have never met in person. I think it will be a very useful event for everyone. It will also help the movement reinforce the plan to reintroduce Paralympic sailing in Los Angeles 2028, which we all care very much about. "

The Campione del Garda event will take place over four days, with clinics on the vehicle and technique, coaching, as well as water tests and a final competition, a true world premiere of this kind.

Para Kiting represents an exciting opportunity to further develop Para Sailing. The fast pace and the action inherent in the kite are of great impact for both participants and spectators. Para Kiting is an exciting opportunity to attract young Paralympic sailors and more experienced sailors, and is definitely a discipline to watch for the future, even at the Paralympic Games.

The Paralympic Sailing Development Program
The World Sailing Para Sailing Development Program supports the training of para-sailors and their coaches through several dedicated and performance clinics organized by World Sailing, the World Sailing Federation.
Additionally, the PDP also helps organize classification opportunities for sailors who are not yet classified but who wish to participate in competitive events.

What is World Sailing's Paralympic Development Program?
- A 4-day training camp hosted once a year in each region: Africa, North America, South and Central America, Asia, Europe and Oceania.
- A platform for the participation of two sailors and a coach from each federation of the region.
- The program aims to increase coaching and navigation skills in Paralympic sailing.
- The program aims to increase knowledge of the discipline and the number of coaches prepared to offer Paralympic sailing experiences in their countries.
- The program aims to inform and collaborate with National Federations in order to incorporate Paralympic sailing into their national training programs.
- Each clinic is managed under the supervision of World Sailing qualified experts, and coaches with Paralympic experience.
- All clinics are financially supported by World Sailing.
- The program focuses on sailors and coaches in preparation for Paralympic events.

Notes for the press

World Sailing

World Sailing is the world governing body of the sport of sailing, recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). Founded in Paris in 1907, today it has 146 National Federations (MNA) and 119 recognized Class Associations. World Sailing's vision is of a world where millions of people fall in love with the natural strength of sailing. Inspired by the unique relationship between sport, technology and the forces of nature, we all work to protect the world's waters.

World Sailing, together with national sailing federations, class associations and sailors from around the world, is fighting for the reintroduction of sailing at the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympic Games.

To find out more, visit sailing.org or contact marketing@sailing.org.

For more press information on the Campione del Garda PDP:
Carla Anselmi - mob. +39 347 4632757 - carlanselmi2@gmail.com

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