ISAF to campaign for disabled sailing’s inclusion in Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games

Laura Hodgetts

The International Sailing Federation (ISAF) is to campaign for Disabled Sailing's inclusion in the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games and has appointed VERO Communications to advise and support its campaign.

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The decision to press the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) to add Disabled Sailing to the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games comes on the back of ISAF formally taking over the management of Disabled Sailing in November 2014, and the integration of the International Association for Disabled Sailing (IFDS) into ISAF.

Carlo Croce, ISAF President said: ‘Following the merger of IFDS into ISAF at the end of last year, disabled sailing is now under new professional management.

‘This is a new era for disabled sailing with ISAF now able to fully utilise its technical, financial, promotional and strategic resources to bring significant benefits to Disabled Sailing.

‘For example, we are now working hard to put in place a much enhanced, professional and aligned four year competition programme for Disabled Sailing, as well as generate greater media, broadcast and promotional opportunities for the sport following integration into ISAF’s wider communications planning and activities.

‘These are all new developments since the merger of IFDS into ISAF and it is important that we now effectively communicate this new era for Disabled Sailing to the IPC.

‘I’m delighted that we have the proven expertise of VERO Communications to support us in this cause.  Our focus now is to build the case for Disabled Sailing’s inclusion in Tokyo 2020, much of which will be centred around new evidence, as well as stressing some of the unique attributes of Disabled Sailing, including the fact that it is the only sport where athletes with the highest level of disability can compete equally against athletes with other disabilities.

‘I very much hope, upon receipt of this new evidence, that the IPC will look favourably on our case.’

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Mike Lee, chairman of VERO added: ‘VERO is delighted to support ISAF in their campaign to see Disabled Sailing included in the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games.’