Sunday 14 / June / 2026
Muscat: Oman Sail has successfully concluded the second edition of the SailFree programme, sponsored by bp Oman as part of its social investment programmes. The season saw the participation of 157 individuals, alongside 50 participants with hearing disabilities, reflecting the programme’s commitment to inclusivity and expanding access to sport for people with disabilities in the Sultanate of Oman.
The second edition of the programme also saw the formation of a National Team comprising 23 new sailors who successfully completed all three training levels, as part of ongoing efforts to develop local talent and strengthen the presence of para-inclusive sailing at both national and international levels.
Since its launch in 2019, SailFree has introduced more than 400 people to the sport of sailing and has established Oman’s first official National Para Inclusive Sailing Team. The programme also contributes to 10 national priorities under Oman Vision 2040 and supports 10 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Khamis Al Anbouri, Acting Commercial Director of Oman Sail, said: "The SailFree programme continues to provide an inspiring model for empowering people with disabilities through sport by creating an environment that enables participants to develop their skills, build confidence, and strengthen leadership and teamwork abilities. We are proud to see 23 new sailors join the National Team after successfully completing the programme’s training stages."
Ibrahim Al Hinai, Social Investment Manager at bp Oman, Kuwait and Qatar, added: "The SailFree programme reflects the values of inclusion and diversity that we strongly believe in at bp Oman. It has been inspiring to witness participants progress from ‘Try Sailing’ activities to international competitions. We are proud to continue supporting this national initiative and creating more opportunities for people with disabilities."
This season marked another important milestone for Omani sport, with the National Team securing a silver medal and a bronze medal at the Hansa Championship in Weymouth, United Kingdom. Sailors Ali Al Ghusaini and Ghaliya Al Jabri also made history by becoming the first Omanis to compete internationally in the Hansa 303 class at the World Ability Sport Beach Games in Türkiye.
The programme’s impact was further strengthened when Oman hosted the first edition of the World Sailing Inclusion Championships in Mussanah, welcoming more than 155 sailors from 37 countries.
Beyond competition, SailFree continued to engage the wider community through “Try Sailing” events in Salalah and Sur, attracting more than 110 participants, in addition to exhibitions and awareness workshops organised for the International Day of Persons with Disabilities.
With the launch of a new fleet of Hansa 303 boats in late 2025, SailFree continues to establish itself as one of Oman’s leading initiatives for empowering people with disabilities through sport and contributing to a more inclusive future for the Sultanate.
