World Sailing has partnered with the International Federation for Athletes with Intellectual Impairments to jointly promote and grow the sport for people with intellectual impairments globally ©Cate Brown/World Sailing

World Sailing has partnered with the International Federation for Athletes with Intellectual Impairments (INAS) to jointly promote and grow the sport for people with intellectual impairments globally.

The two organisations have signed a Memorandum of Understanding that will see them both work together towards the development and implementation of strategies and sailing programmes for people with intellectual impairments.

World Sailing and INAS will work to promote awareness and integration within their member organisations.

As part of the deal, World Sailing will implement a new intellectual impairment discipline into its future championships at world, regional and national level, while INAS has agreed to automatically sanction World Sailing-approved events.

"Sailing is an inclusive sport that is available for all to compete on a level playing field," World Sailing President Kim Andersen said.

"It is a sport for all and World Sailing is fully committed to growing the sport across multiple disciplines.

"We are delighted to establish a long-term partnership with INAS and we will work closely with them to ensure a sustainable future for sailors with intellectual impairments."

World Sailing President Kim Andersen said the body will work closely with INAS to ensure a sustainable future for sailors with intellectual impairments ©Getty Images
World Sailing President Kim Andersen said the body will work closely with INAS to ensure a sustainable future for sailors with intellectual impairments ©Getty Images

INAS President Marc Truffaut added: "We are excited to welcome World Sailing into the INAS family, adding another International Federation to our growing list of partners.

"We are committed to growing sailing for athletes with intellectual impairments and know that together, we can offer more high-level competition opportunities and make a huge impact around the world."

INAS and World Sailing will also work together to deliver clinics and seminars for both coaches and officials each year.

As part of the agreement, World Sailing becomes a member of INAS and will hold a seat on the INAS Sport Council.

Sailing was dropped from the Paralympic programme after Rio 2016 and will not feature at Tokyo 2020.

World Sailing also failed with its bid for inclusion at Paris 2024.

INAS manages elite competition for 14 sports and promotes inclusion worldwide.

As well as the sports on the Paralympic programme - athletics, swimming and table tennis, - INAS provides competitions and supports eligibility and classification for basketball, cricket, cycling, football/futsal, equestrian, Para hockey, rowing, Alpine and Nordic skiing, Para taekwondo and tennis.