National team of sailors with disabilities - experience and new talents riding the wave of success

Polish sailing for people with disabilities is a discipline that has been achieving significant success on the international stage for years. At the world and European championships, our athletes consistently win medals, proving that determination and passion can overcome all barriers. In 2025, ten sailors were appointed to the national team, trained by experienced coach Dr. Grzegorz Prokopowicz.

Kamil Kusier executive editor 15.02.2025, 10:27 Reading time: 2 min

Colorful Optimist dinghies with sails marked POL 3439 and POL 2904 sail past a red buoy — fot. Bartosz Modelski / PZŻ

In brief

Poland's national sailing team for athletes with disabilities called up ten sailors in 2025, prepared by coach Dr Grzegorz Prokopowicz. The squad includes Piotr Cichocki, Olga Górnaś-Grudzień and Andrzej Bury, as well as newcomers Michał Dżugan and Tomasz Szychowiak. In March the Polish sailors compete at the world championships in Sydney, where Andrzej Bury defends his world title in the 2.3 class and Piotr Cichocki and Olga Górnaś-Grudzień represent Poland in the Hansa 303 class. Gdynia will host the European Championships in 2026 and the World Championships a year later.

Experienced champions and new hopes

The team includes both titled sailors such as Piotr Cichocki, Olga Górnaś-Grudzień, and Andrzej Bury, as well as new, ambitious athletes, including Michał Dżugan and Tomasz Szychowiak. Coach Prokopowicz emphasizes that the team's sporting level is constantly growing, and fresh blood brings new energy and motivation for further development.

Paralympic sailing – the fight for reinstatement in the games program

After sailing was removed from the Paralympic Games program in 2016, the Polish Sailing Association and the disabled sailing community have been actively working to reinstate this discipline. Numerous campaigns promoting adaptive sailing have been organized, and athletes continue to showcase their skills at prestigious competitions.

A season full of challenges and international competition

The 2025 season promises to be extremely intense. In March, Polish sailors will participate in the world championships in Sydney. In the Hansa 303 class, Poland will be represented by Piotr Cichocki and Olga Górnaś-Grudzień, while Andrzej Bury will compete to defend his world champion title in the 2.3 class. Another key event will be the Grand Prix during Gdynia Sailing Days, featuring another edition of the "Sails Without Barriers" initiative, which promotes sailing among people with disabilities.

Logistics and organizational challenges

Traveling and participating in international regattas involve specific logistical challenges.

– When planning trips, we must consider the needs of wheelchair-bound athletes, infrastructure accessibility, and architectural barriers. These are challenges we have learned to manage, emphasizes coach Grzegorz Prokopowicz.

The future of Polish sailing for people with disabilities

The coming years bring even more ambitious plans. In 2026, the European championships will be held in Gdynia, followed by the world championships for sailors with disabilities in 2027. Thanks to the consistent work of coaches, athletes, and the entire community, Poland has real chances for further international success.

Polish sailors with disabilities once again prove that sport knows no boundaries and that strength of spirit and determination are key to achieving victory.

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Source: Polski Związek Żeglarski / Gazeta Morska · Compiled by: Kamil Kusier