World Sailing’s loss, Para Sports’ gain

While time will tell whether it’s a gain for Para Sailing and its bid to be included in the 2028 Paralympic Games, this announcement certainly speaks highly of the work at World Sailing:

Massimo Dighe, appointed World Sailing’s Para World Sailing Manager in 2016, will now join the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) as Deputy Director of World Para Sports on July 1, 2022.

“My top career highlight after joining World Sailing is the creation of World Sailing’s Paralympic Development Programme,” notes Dighe, a Paralympic sailor for Italy at London 2012. “Since launching in 2017, over 210 sailors and coaches from 39 countries on six continents have benefited. This has had a huge impact on inclusion and participation around the world, and will continue to do so well into the future.

In 2018, Dighe became the first World Sailing member of staff to win the coveted World Sailing President’s Development Award, joining a list of previous winners who had been integral in the development of their national sailing authority, increased the participation of the sport, and developed a framework for future growth.

“Massimo has been an incredible ambassador for Paralympic sailing – his passion and commitment to develop the sport, as well as for reinstatement into the Paralympic Games, has been astounding,” said David Graham, CEO of World Sailing.

“He goes to the International Paralympic Committee with our full blessing to develop and guide global para sport.”

Dighe will play a key role for World Para Sports as the International Paralympic Committee reaches a significant milestone.

“Massimo Dighe joins us in a very important moment of the governance reform of the IPC,” explained World Para Sports Managing Director Christian Holtz.

“Massimo will bring invaluable experience to our team. Having gone through the integration of Para Sailing into World Sailing, the World Para Sports will benefit from his knowledge and experience, and as a Paralympian, Massimo will ensure that the interests of the athletes are well represented in our processes.”

Dighe adds, “My utmost priority is to ensure they continue to thrive in terms of competition, whilst also recognizing the importance of social and inclusive aspects. I cannot wait to work with the team to make this happen.”