Global sailing is opening a new chapter in inclusion with the announcement of the first Para Inclusive Development Program in the Caribbean, an initiative aimed at transforming access to sport for people with disabilities in a region with high potential but still facing structural gaps. The confirmation of Antigua and Barbuda as host for June 2026 marks a significant step in territorial expansion of this approach, aligned with a broader vision of equity and participation in sport.

Driven by World Sailing in collaboration with the National Sailing Academy and Sailability Antigua, and supported by the local government, the program is presented as a platform that connects international expertise with community leadership. Beyond its technical dimension, the initiative reflects a commitment to creating real opportunities for sailors with disabilities, in an environment that aims to establish itself as a hub for inclusive development in the region.

A program combining training, competition and access

Over the course of a week, the Integrated Development Program (IDP) will offer a comprehensive experience that combines on-water training, skill development and racing, allowing participants not only to get started in para sailing but also to project themselves within a broader competitive pathway. The structure will culminate in an international regatta, serving as a space to validate what has been learned and as a boost to strengthen regional participation in the sport.

This approach responds to a global strategy aimed at expanding access pathways and supporting emerging nations in building sustainable programs. In this sense, the initiative goes beyond sporting practice, incorporating a training dimension focused on coaches, volunteers and local communities, generating capabilities that extend beyond the event itself and into the future.

The Caribbean as a territory for inclusive growth

For Hannah Stodel, this program represents a key moment in the evolution of para sailing, highlighting the Caribbean as a region with enormous growth potential. The choice of Antigua is not only based on its geographical conditions, but also on its ability to become a space where inclusion translates into concrete and sustainable experiences for new sailors.

From the local perspective, Bob Bailey emphasizes the transformative nature of the initiative, noting that it is not just about hosting an event, but about opening a door that did not previously exist in the region. The collaboration between international and local stakeholders, together with a strong focus on knowledge exchange and capacity building, is shaping a scenario in which inclusive sailing is beginning to take root in the Caribbean.