The first ever Para Kite Development Programme (PDP) took place this summer at Lake Garda, Italy, with 11 coaches and athletes from seven countries put through their paces. The PDP was organized by World Sailing, whose vision is to increase the growth of Para Sailing globally and develop an international competition and growth framework for Para Kiting. The International Kite-boarding Association lent their support and hope to see events being run alongside the Formula Kite Class. World Sailing has submitted an application to the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) for sailing to be reinstated at the Paralympic Games in Los Angeles in 2028, and we eagerly await their decision to see what it could mean for Para Kiting. Initiatives like the PDP provide the frame-work to introduce more people to the sport, offer further training to coaches and officials, as well as aligning existing national classification systems with the IPC’s classification for international events.
We spoke to three of the PDP participants who were in Italy to find out more. Firstly, Frances Osorio Rivera, a US Army veteran, below the left leg amputee, kite instructor and Cabrinha/Dakine sponsored athlete and sales representative. Secondly, Willem Hooft from the Netherlands who had a motorbike accident five years ago that left him in a wheelchair. He broke the height record for sit kiting last year and is now a motivational speaker who travels around the world as a team rider for Slingshot and Wind Voyager. Thirdly, Chris Ballois, a sailor since the age of 12, windsurfer, and the Guinness World Record Holder for the fastest person on a kiteboard across a nautical mile – he has done all this one-handed, born with one full arm.
Hi Frances! Tell us about your
