October 29, 2025
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Rory McKinna and Busra Celik claim first Para Inclusive Sailing golds at the World Abilitysport Beach Games in Türkiye
The World Abilitysport Federation made history with its first World Abilitysport Beach Games in Mersin, Türkiye, from 18–25 October. Among the six featured sports, sailing captured attention for its strong competition, spirit of inclusion, and international camaraderie.
The Türkiye Sailing Federation served as the Organising Authority for the Para Inclusive One Person – Male and Para Inclusive One Person – Female events, raced in a fleet of new International Hansa 303 dinghies provided by the Federation.
Eighteen sailors from nine nations — Bahrain, Estonia, France, Great Britain, Italy, Oman, Thailand, Türkiye, and Hong Kong, China — took part. Teams from Hong Kong, China, and Türkiye fielded full squads, each with two male and two female competitors.
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Racing took place over four days, with athletes divided into yellow and blue groups that rotated boats daily. After light winds early in the week, a stronger southerly breeze on the final day allowed the full series of eight races per group to be completed.
In the Para Inclusive One Person – Male event, Rory McKinna (GBR) surged to victory with two wins and a second on the final day, earning the Gold Medal ahead of Yuen Wai Foo (HKG) with Silver, and Davide Di Maria (ITA) claiming Bronze.
In the Para Inclusive One Person – Female category, Miray Ulaş (TUR) led going into the final day, closely followed by Coline Robert (FRA) and Büşra Nur Çelik (TUR). In the end, a strong finish by Büşra Nur Çelik saw her pass teammate Miray Ulaş to break the tie-on points and win the Gold Medal. Silver went to Miray Ulaş (TUR), and Bronze to Coline Robert (FRA).
World Abilitysport President Rudi Van den Abbeele and Türkiye Paralympic Committee President Dr. Av. Murat Aksu joined the action on the water on the third day. President Van den Abbeele even took to the helm for a sail in a Hansa 303 alongside Great Britain’s McKinna following the racing.
Fiona Kidd, World Sailing Head of International Development and Technical Delegate for the event, said, “This competition showcased not only the exceptional skill of the sailors but also the true inclusive spirit at the heart of our sport. The collaboration between World Abilitysport and the Türkiye Sailing Federation has set a global standard for accessible sailing, demonstrating why sailing belongs on the Paralympic stage and inspiring a future where all sailors can compete at the highest level.”
The Games brought together 600 athletes from 26 nations across six sports, marking an inspiring milestone for inclusive sport and the global growth of sailing.
This competition marked the debut of Para Inclusive Sailing at a World Abilitysport Games and the boats will remain as a legacy to help more athletes from Türkiye and around the world access the sport.