The SailFree Oman team, which operates in collaboration with bp Oman, is preparing to travel to Portimão, Portugal, to participate in the second edition of the World Sailing Championships in 2026. The championships will be held from September 30 to October 11, 2026.
International Opportunities for Omani Sailors
This championship marks a new stage for the SailFree team, especially after their participation in the first edition of this competition held last year in Muscat. This event provides sailors with a unique opportunity to gain competitive international experience at the highest level, improve their technical skills, and represent the Sultanate of Oman honorably on the international stage.
The delegation to Portugal includes a committed group of athletes, technical staff, and support team. The team, led by Nawaf Al-Ghadani, includes Mohammed Abdullah Al-Amri, Moussa Khalfan Al-Nafi, Zaher Khalfan Al-Attabi, Ali Saeed Al-Ghasini, Ghalia Masoud Al-Jabri, and Malik Jumaa Al-Qurati.
Skill Development and Job Opportunities
Athletes will be trained by Hitham Al-Wahabi and Ikram Al-Wahabi from Oman Sail, with support from Muayed Al-Busaidi. Nawaf Al-Ghadani, the team leader, stated, "Representing Oman in such a prestigious event is a great honor for our entire team. Our sailors have worked hard to reach this standard and have shown remarkable dedication and progress during their training sessions."
Hitham Al-Wahabi, the coach, added, "This championship is an important milestone in the personal and professional development of our group. Beyond the technical challenges in international waters, this event reinforces our ultimate goal of creating a sustainable pathway from basic training to elite competitions. We are confident that our sailors will gain vital experience and return home with broader horizons and enhanced capabilities."
Ibrahim Al-Hanai, the social investment manager at bp Oman, Kuwait, and Qatar, also stated, "We are proud to support the SailFree athletes as representatives of the nation in Portugal. This partnership reflects the importance of the SailFree program and the impact of ongoing investment in the community and empowering individuals with disabilities. We wish the team success and look forward to supporting the next generation of sailors through this program."
Participation in high-level international competitions aligns with the overall goals of Oman Sail and bp Oman for SailFree, providing structured pathways for individuals with disabilities to progress from basic sailing to advanced competitions and raising awareness of adaptive sports.
