The IFDS World Championships will bring the ‘best of the best’ of disabled sailing to Port Phillip as athletes fight for their spot in the 2016 Paralympic Games.

 

The bid by the Club is subject to the event being financially secured by October 2012.  To this effect Commodore Bas Huibers called on businesses and government to support the event -“The Club is keen to secure commercial and government sponsorship to make sure this event happens in Victoria. It has the potential to draw millions of dollars in economic benefit to the State. These world championships are the last pre-selection opportunity for the 2016 Paralympic Games and are bound to draw a significant number of competitors, national teams and support crew.

 

The Yacht Club is in negotiations with relevant agencies at local and state level to achieve a ‘win-win’ for everyone involved in this great event. We expect significant economic impact with over 90% overseas competitors congregating in Victoria and Williamstown at ‘Royals’ for many weeks.

 

The Royal Yacht Club of Victoria is keen to hear from any local, state, national or International businesses wishing to gain exposure and be part of a terrific high profile event that will certainly boost image and presence on a world-wide stage as well as here in Melbourne.

 

The event also aligns with the Club’s existing programs assisting people with Disabilities through our Sailability – the next step programand working with various disadvantaged groups. Commodore Bas Huibers added “To maintain these programs we do need funding. Sailing is a great sport to help people gain confidence and new skills in life.” 

 

Michael McLean, gold medalist in the 2000 Sydney Paralympics is Chairing the Club’s organising committee for the event. He stated that “One of the great advantages from the athlete’s perspective is it will inspire people with a disability that there is a pathway to get involved in sport right through to elite participation; healthy goals for a healthy future”.

 

The IFDS World Championship’s would be yet another major event coup for the State of Victoria after its recent announcement regarding its successful bid to host the ISAF Sailing World Cup here in Melbourne for a further 4 years.

 

IFDS World Championship are scheduled to take place in November 2015 just prior to the ISAF Sailing World Cup which also supports Paralympic Sailing offering an extended tourism for the State.