As part of the celebrations for German Unity Day, we are hosting an inclusive sailing state championship. Inclusive two-person crews from each federal state will compete against one another. “Inclusive crews” means that one crew member with a disability and one crew member without a disability will sail together as a team representing their respective federal state.
Following this, the finals of the first truly inclusive sailing series, the “Heinz Kettler Deutschland Cup,” will take place in Schwerin on October 5 and 6.
The “Heinz Kettler Deutschland Cup” is Germany’s first inclusive regatta series. It was first held in 2023. In 2024, the “Heinz Kettler Deutschland Cup” will kick off in May in Prien am Chiemsee and will visit Möhnesee in July. The grand finale will take place on October 5 and 6 on Lake Schwerin.
Sailing, as one of the most inclusive sports, is a driving force for inclusive sports not only in Germany but worldwide. The event hosts, partners, and organizers have set themselves the goal of breaking down the traditional divide between people with and without disabilities in sports and making sailing accessible to everyone. The goal is to create an inclusive and sustainable sailing community that is diverse and open to everyone, regardless of disability, social disadvantage, or simply a passion for sailing. Through sports, active inclusion and participation can be integrated into everyday life and the workplace. A large-scale event raises the profile of inclusive sports and helps break down barriers.
The “Inclusive Sailing State Cup,” as part of the celebrations for German Unity Day, and the final of the “Heinz Kettler Germany Cup”—one of the largest inclusive sailing events in Germany—offer an ideal platform to inspire athletes with and without disabilities to take up the sport, break down reservations, and, as a flagship project, inspire others to follow suit—thereby fostering greater inclusion across a wide range of areas.
