During September 4th to 12th, the 2003 World Disabled Sailing Championship will be held for the first time in Greece.

Athens International Airport, on the occasion of the European Year for the Disabled, has the honor to support sailing for people with disabilities in its first steps in Greece, by sponsoring the racing yacht and participation of George Delikouras, athlete of the Sailing Club of Piraeus (IOP) and AIA employee, in the World Disabled Sailing Championship 2003, under the motto "It takes more than just the wind".

A special event took place on the evening of Thursday, July 3rd, jointly organized by the Sailing Club of Piraeus (IOP) and Athens International Airport S.A., at the Club's premises at Mikrolimano / Piraeus, to present sailing for people with disabilities, the racing yacht of George Delikouras (class 2.4 mR carrying the "GRE 2" logo), and AIA's sponsorship of his participation.

Mr. Nikos Karageorgiou, Chairman of the Sailing Club of Piraeus, and the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Athens International Airport S.A., Professor Kostis Vaitsos, made the opening addresses. Olympic sailing medallist in Atlanta and Sydney, Mr. Nikos Kaklamanakis, saluted the event, followed by a presentation regarding sailing for people with disabilities by the athlete George Delikouras.

The 2.4mR, created in the early 80's, is an international single-handed keelboat class, offering great safety and easy handling. It was first selected by the International Paralympic Committee, for the Paralympic Games in 2000 in Sydney. This year, the Hellenic Yachting Federation will be the organizing authority for the 2003 World Disabled Sailing Championship, in conjunction with the Sailing Club of Piraeus and the Yacht Club of Greece. The races will take place in the bay of Faliron.

To date, the friends of racing disabled sailing considered that the sport's presence in Greece needed boosting. By its initiative to become sponsor of the World Disabled Sailing Championship, Athens International Airport wishes to become a boosting factor for the sport's development, as well as to contribute significantly to the overall effort for the right of people with disabilities to engage in sporting activities.

Training time...	From the left: The Chairman of Athens International Airport S.A., Professor Kostis Vaitsos, the athlete George Delikouras, and the Chairman of the Sailing Club of Piraeus, Mr. Nikos Karageorgiou, in front of the racing yacht sponsored by AIA.	The athlete George Delikouras with Olympic sailing medallist in Atlanta and Sydney, Nikos Kaklamanakis.	Olympic sailing medallist in Atlanta and Sydney, Mr. Nikos Kaklamanakis, during his speech at the Sailing Club of Piraeus.