Why is diversity in global sport so vital?

Alexandra Rickham, two-time Paralympic sailing medallist, sustainability expert and Head of Sustainability at World Sailing – the global governing body for the sport – explains why diversity is key to success and how World Sailing is increasing global participation.

Diversity in sport is important because it promotes creativity, unique perspectives, new opportunities and ultimately good sportsmanship.

We know that’s not all. Around the world we are living in a more diverse society, and sport must be representative of our society for us to have a bond with it.

Sports that are not fully representative will ultimately alienate our changing society and fail.

The need for diversity is not limited to sport. It isn’t just about doing the right thing in relation to representing ‘everyone’ – many times over it has been proven that diversity is simply better business.

Countless studies have been carried out by renowned consultancy firms and the conclusion is always the same: diversity = better places to work, more productive, more innovative, and simply just more.

Sailing is no different from any other sport, or business, in this respect and at World Sailing we are trying to increase diversity across the entirety of our sport, from grassroots to elite levels, from our officials through to our boardroom and governance structures.

And the reason for this encompasses many factors but adds up to the same thing – to simply be ‘better’. – Full report