It’s a sad day for the sport of sailing, (and for seven-a-side football) as it was booted out of the 2020 Paralympics in Tokyo due it not being ‘fresh enough’.

After what was called the most extensive and rigorous review process ever in the history of sports, Sailing is officially out of the 2020 Paralympics in Tokyo. The International Paralympic Committee cited reasons including Sailing not being a ‘fresh’ sport, and that it didn’t have enough global reach, despite being represented by 20 countries in 2012.

"All were assessed against the same criteria and our aim all along has been to ensure that the final Tokyo 2020 Paralympic sports programme is fresh and features the best para-sports possible.“ said Sir Philip Craven, IPC President, earlier this week.

"The Board’s final decision was not an easy one and, after much debate, we decided not to include two sports – football 7-a-side and sailing – from the Tokyo 2020 programme for the same reason. Both did not fulfil the IPC Handbook’s minimum criteria for worldwide reach."

Still included in the games, are sports like Boccia, Fencing and Judo. Of course all legitimate sports, but really? Sailing? One of the most amazing sports possible for any athlete, let alone someone with a disability, has been axed in favour of Boccia.

If you disagree with the decision, put your name to the petition and join over 10,000 others who think sailing SHOULD be included in the 2020 Paralympics.

 

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