Paralympics out - what now?
Expected by many, the International Paralympic Committee has just decided not to include sailing in the programme for the 2028 Paralympic Games in Los Angeles.
That's a hard blow for those in the 2.4mR class who have been chasing the Chimera of parasailing over the last few years. Unfortunately, parasailing, i.e. sailing by disabled people with Para Europe and Para World Championships as well as separate classifications for disabled people in other regattas, was the only pillar of the 2.4 brand strategy in recent years. That must have been a serious mistake. Because the question now for the class is: What now?
In the meantime, the train has long since moved on, especially in sailing. Parasailing is out, inclusive sailing is in. Para-sailing means that people with disabilities can sail and thus practice the sport of sailing at all. Inclusion means that disabled and non-disabled people practice the sport together and on an equal footing, for example in competitions, with equal opportunities. This inclusive sailing is possible to the highest degree in the 2.4, but has been pushed back nationally and internationally to the detriment of the sailing of a few disabled people - one sailor per country - at the Paralympics. The well-intentioned argument that the radiance of a Paralympic sailor magnetically attracts disabled sailors to this competitive sport is at least questionable in view of completely different motivations and the low number of disabled newcomers in Germany in the last 25 years.
The fact that the train is moving in the direction of inclusion was clearly shown at the Inclusion Day of the German Sailing Association during the boot trade fair in Düsseldorf a few days ago. Many initiatives with other boat classes have been started. RS Adventure, SV 14 or J70 stood with exemplary activities of people with and without hands sailing togethericap but also from Frauen and men the focus of attention. And the unanimous opinion was that sailing is the ideal sport for the further development of inclusion as a sport on an equal footing. The 2.4 was mentioned here and there, but played no role as a lighthouse.
Those responsible for the 2.4mR class, both nationally and internationally, got lost and are now left empty-handed, while other boat classes with innovative concepts and ideas past the 2.4mR in terms of inclusion. And it is to be feared that no learning effects will occur; because the first voices can already be heard from 2.4er circles who harbour hopes for the Paralympics in 2032.
It would be a pity for this unique boat class if it stayed that way.
With Action4Europe a committed Group of European sailors wants to break this deadlock. A first step is the idea of European Circuit, a regatta series that brings us together in Europe in a friendly manner, emphasizes openness for everyone and focuses on having fun with each other as well as high-quality competition.
More ideas are needed and welcome to get out of the doldrums.
Detlef Müller-Böling GER 99
Hi Detlef,
you were really so badly positioned at the DSV stand and the presentations with the 2.4er
how you write?? how come?? You are a consultant for inclusion with the DSV;
and as an enthusiastic 2.4 sailor you would have to use our demanding boat for self-determined sailing compared to accompanied and therapeutic sailing - as effective as it is in the media -
yet be able to put it in the right light.
It's a shame about the effort and the effort.
Do you already have an idea for next year's performance?
VG
Eberhard
Hello Eberhard,
unfortunately I did not succeed in conveying the essential contents of my letter to you. So I'll try again in a nutshell:
In recent years, the German and International 2.4mR class association has only focused on parasailing. This has led her to a dead end.
Because for years the train has been moving towards inclusion, especially with other boat classes. This was also clearly shown on the Inclusion Day.
Parasailing and inclusion is notswegs the same. Parasailing is exclusive sailing by people with disabilities, inclusive sailing is shared sailing by people with and without disabilities.
Otherwise: Yes, I was a member of the DSV's inclusion committee at the inclusion day, but not as a public relations worker for the 2.4mR class. There were three other 2.4mR sailors with me out of a total of 120 participants. Among them was no official representative of the Germans, just as little as the invited President of the International Class Association.
I hope I was able to bring a little more clarity to my letter with these few lines.
Best Regards
Detlef
Dear Eberhard!
For this year's boot 2023 I have my 2.4mR, GER 1000, made available to the PHL and given up in Düsseldorfaut. During the boot I was at the fair every day, but only briefly at my 2.4mR. However, the crew organized by the PHL told me about many positive Gesprevenge reported that were carried out during the fair. Basically, the way of inclusive sailing is the most promising way! Exclusions such as a pure PARA rating or based on gender or nationality are pointless.
I am already looking forward to the first regattas in 2023 in which we will sail together again - one starting line - one finish line and one rating for everyone!
Greetings from Munster!
Stefan Kaste