Sailing

Sailing is a comparatively new sport at the Paralympic Games. Sailing sport in Paralympics was introduced in The Atlanta 1996 Paralympic Games as a display sport that eventually led to its acceptance as a full medal sport in the next Paralympics which was held in Sydney in the year 2000. Participation in the Paraolympics is open to those who for some reason have had any of the body parts been amputated or have been suffering from impairments such as cerebral palsy, blindness/visual impairment, spinal injuries and les autres can surely take part in sailing.

Sailing was first introduced as a part of the event at the 1900 Olympics. Afterwards it made its appearance in 1908 Olympics and has been on every Olympic program ever since. With the popularity of a choice of boats waxes and wanes the programs of this sport have been frequently changed. The drift has been towards smaller and smaller boats, with lesser number of crew members.

The sport enthusiasts who have planned to be the witness for the 2008 Beijing Summer Paralympics Sports will be able to enjoy this sport as it is also going to be one of the major events in 2008 Beijing Summer Paralympics Sports. The level of passion and excitement in the contestants is worth watching as despite such physical disabilities they strive to deliver their best and emerge triumphant. Though Sailing may seem quite simple, is not at all that easy. It requires a great deal of energy level and stamina to endure the formidable sea waves and navigate your boat.

2008 Beijing Summer Paralympics Sports
Archery	Athletics
Boccia	Cycling
Equestrian	Football 5-a-side
Football 7-a-side	Goalball
Judo	Powerlifting
Rowing	Sailing
Shooting	Sitting Volleyball
Swimming	Table Tennis
Wheelchair Basketball	Wheelchair Fencing
Wheelchair Rugby	Wheelchair Tennis

The sailing sport is classified on the benchmark of four factors - stability, hand function, mobility and vision. The athletes contend in the three events in which no gender division is done. Most of the disabled groups can take part in Single-Person and Three-Person Keelboats and on the other hand the athletes who suffer from severe disability, can participate in the Two-Person Keelboat specially designed for them. The concerned body that regulates this particular sport is International Association for Disabled Sailing (IFDS), which closely works with the International Sailing Federation that happens to be the governing body for this sport all over the globe.

Sailing has gained immense popularity in the last year and more than 50 countries are making endeavors to develop this sport for willing sportsmen with a desire to excel. The sailing event for 29th Olympic Games will be taking place at Qingdao Olympic Sailing Center from August 9-21, 2008.