Through extensive training in line with safety standards, 10 Omani sailors have been selected to compete from the ‘SailFree’ programme
MUSCAT: In partnership with bp Oman, Oman Sail and Oman Paralympic Committee have prepared the Oman national parasailing team to compete in three upcoming international championships in Europe.
Through extensive training in line with safety standards, 10 Omani sailors have been selected to compete from the ‘SailFree’ programme.
This achievement is a result of the ‘SailFree’ programme – launched in December 2019 – with the aim of introducing people with disabilities (specially with physical impairment) to the sport of sailing.
The team will compete in the Belgian Sailability Cup, France Hansa Class Championship and 2022 Hansa UK National Championships, representing Oman, with the aim of achieving high rankings as well as gain vital development, skills and experience for their future athletic career.
The team members include Ali Al Ghasaini, Zaher Al Atbi, Ghalya Al Jabri, Raiyan Al Mujaini, Hassan Al Lawati, Sami Al Sulaimi, Adil Al Siyabi, Muayad Al Sheriyani,Sultan Al Wahaibi and Hamad Al Subhi.
Shamsa Al-Rawahi, bp Oman social investment manager, commented: “In line with our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion agenda, the ‘SailFree’ programme has offered the unique opportunity for people with disabilities to compete in local, regional and international championships. I’ve seen the programme develop them beyond the skills of sailing. The programme has instilled confidence and capacity building skills to overcome challenges, chase their dream and work together as one team. We wish the team the best of luck and look forward to continue supporting this unique initiative.”
Dr. Khamis Al Jabri, CEO of Oman Sail, said: “The progress of the SailFree team has been consistently excellent so far. The opportunity to compete at three major championships this summer is vital to the ongoing development of the sailors. We have tailored our coaching scheme ahead of these events to prepare our sailors, and it’s time to put it to the test. We are very proud of our sailors for continuing to grow as athletes and as inspiring individuals, and we have high hopes for the future of SailFree as well as Oman’s ongoing participation in para sailing.”
Shamsa Al-Rawahi, bp Oman social investment manager, commented: “In line with our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion agenda, the ‘SailFree’ programme has offered the unique opportunity for people with disabilities to compete in local, regional and international championships.
Dr. Mansoor Al Tauqi, President of the Oman Paralympic Committee, added: “Over the years, the SailFree programme has introduced over 200 participants aged from 16 to 30 from communities across the country to the sports of sailing. Our partnership with bp and Oman Sail has helped equip sailors with athletic skills, resilience and problem-solving skills, laying the foundation for truly believing themselves in all aspects of their life and their sports career”
About bp Oman:
- bp is the operator of Khazzan in Block 61, the Middle East’s largest unconventional gas field which produces a significant amount of Oman’s gas
- The second part of Block 61’s development, Ghazeer, started production in late 2020.
- In 2019, we spent over $1bn with Omani registered companies
- Over 80% of bp Oman employees are Omanis, including half of our leadership team. We aim to reach 90% Omanisation by 2025.
- Our social investment programme aims to support the development of Omani people, economic diversification and job creation.
- Launched in 2014, over 94,500 people are estimated to have benefitted directly so far through 106 initiatives that have taken place.
About Oman Sail
Operating under Oman Tourism Development Company, Oman Sail is tasked with rekindling the country’s maritime eminence, promote the Sultanate around the world through sailing, contribute to the sustainable prosperity of the nation and provide long-term learning opportunities for the youth.
Since 2008, Oman Sail has built a solid foundation around Sailing, Tourism, Commerce, Health and Environment, all underpinned with competency-based development for its workforce. Committed to offering both men and women equal opportunities to learn, Oman Sail’s programmes focus on nurturing young talent to develop the sailing champions of tomorrow, increasing revenue in the tourism, activity and experiential learning markets and gaining prominent international exposure for the country.
The company has a strong track record in delivering a portfolio of events across the Sultanate to showcase Oman’s natural beauty, tourism potential, the people’s hospitality, and the infrastructure readiness for business opportunities. More information can be found on www.omansail.com
About Oman Paralympic Committee:
Oman Paralympic Committee is a non-profitable community organisation specialised in organising and managing Paralympic sports such as athletics, sailing, weightlifting, and team sports such as soccer, goal ball for the blind and basketball on wheelchairs for people with disabilities including movement and visual impairments and cerebral palsy.
Oman Paralympic Committee aims to nurture and establish the Paralympic initiative, develop the skills of athletes, and remove the physical, legal and social barriers that limit people with disabilities to practice such sports.
Furthermore, it also aims to prepare national teams to participate in the Paralympic Competitions and various international championships as well as equip and qualify technical sports leaders.
For more information, please contact:
Assim Al Saqri | Head of Communication, Oman Sail
93807401 | assim@omansail.com
Badar Al Abri | PR Specialist, Oman Sail
97084744 | badar.alabri@omansail.com