Waiting game for Paralympic Games

Since Sailing was removed from the Paralympic Games after Rio 2016, a tireless campaign by World Sailing and the para sailing community has sought to get the sport back into the Paralympics. Their focus is Brisbane 2032, but the wait just got longer for the verdict.

The decision, originally anticipated to be in late 2026, won’t be revealed by the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) until 2027.

“For each edition of the Paralympic Games, we start with a blank canvas when building the sport program and Brisbane 2032 is no different,” noted Colleen Wrenn, the IPC’s Executive Director Paralympic Games. “No sport is guaranteed a place on the program, and the goal is to shape a competitive and compelling Games.

The IPC initiated the Brisbane 2032 Paralympic sport program process in late 2025, inviting International Federations and Recognized International Federations to apply.

“Since we received the applications from International Federations and Recognized Federations, we have been analyzing them all in line with the process outlined in the IPC Handbook to determine the best possible sport program for Brisbane 2032.

“For each Games, the Board must consider, amongst many other factors, the costs and venue requirements for each sport, as well as the potential impact on the Organizing Committee. With the IOC confirming its Olympic sport program decision next year, it makes sense for the IPC to do the same with regards to the Paralympic sport program.”

The Brisbane 2032 Paralympic Games will take place between August 24 and September 5 in 2032.