Since sailing was removed from the Paralympic games after Rio 2016, World Sailing and the sailing community have been championing to see it reinstated. The decision, made by the International Paralympic Committee, is expected at end of this month. Driver Sebastien Schneiter explains how Swiss SailGP Team have been showing their support around the world.

“The Swiss SailGP Team is hugely supportive and fully backs the bid to see sailing reinstated in time for LA28. It was a big loss for our sport when it was removed after Rio 2016 and since then the sailing community around the world has been campaigning hard to get it back.

Swiss SailGP Team has #backthebid down the side of our F50 race boat. Wherever we are racing - from the USA to Dubai - there’s an important call to action globally to support the campaign to see sailing reinstated.

Earlier this year, during the Great Britain Sail Grand Prix, we were joined onboard the F50 by three Paralympians. Two of the athletes were sailors and four-time Paralympians; Bjørnar Erikstad from Norway and Hannah Stodel from Great Britain. Bjørnar is also CEO of our main and Race for the Future partner, WE Foundation.

Season 3 // Switzerland SailGP Team // Stuart Bithell with Back the Bid participants

We Foundation is a Norwegian based disability charity that champions equal opportunities to achieve. It was a proud moment to have Bjørnar, Hannah and Salum Kashafali, one of the fastest Paralympians in the world, onboard with us to highlight the campaign and showcase that everything is possible.

Then in Denmark we also hosted the ‘WE Foundation X One Sport’ race, where Swiss SailGP members teamed up with Bjørnar, Hannah and three European Paralympic sailors: Italy’s Antonio Squizzato, Sweden’s Fia Jelddahl and Danish sailor, Jens Selin Als to race in RS Ventures.

Season 3 // Switzerland SailGP Team // Back the Bid participants in Copenhagen

It was great to meet and sail with / against these talented sailors and hear their stories, which were so inspiring. Fia was the youngest athlete at Rio 2016 and was also chosen to carry her country’s flag during the closing ceremony. She’s a true inspiration not only to sailors in Sweden but all over the world too.

Para Sailing is one of the most inclusive and diverse sports there is, and it offers so much to so many people. Having a pathway from grassroots through to the very top is one of the best ways to continue to grow and develop it. It’s so important to have sailing represented at the Paralympic Games and we all look forward to hearing the verdict at the end of this month.

Season 3 // Switzerland SailGP Team // Back the Bid on Swiss F50

If you are heading to the SailGP race village in Singaspore this weekend, stop off to sign the team’s #BacktheBid pledge board and show your support!"