Muscat: BP Oman, in cooperation with Oman Sail, has launched the third edition of the “Sail Free” programme, continuing efforts to expand sporting opportunities for people with disabilities and strengthen their participation in the wider community.

The partnership agreement was signed at the Children’s Public Library by Najla bint Zuhair Al Jamali, President of BP Oman, and Dr. Khamis bin Salem Al Jabri, CEO of Oman Sail.

The latest edition builds on the success of previous programmes, which gave participants with disabilities the opportunity to learn sailing while developing technical and personal skills through structured training.

The programme is designed to help participants progress to more advanced levels and potentially compete in local and international sailing events.

In its third edition, “Sail Free” will focus not only on sailing techniques but also on life skills including teamwork, leadership, self-confidence and independence.

Training will be delivered in a safe and inclusive environment tailored to participants’ needs, with the aim of promoting equal opportunities and showcasing their abilities and talents in sport.

Since its launch in 2019, the programme has introduced hundreds of people with disabilities to sailing and created a pathway for participants to develop both athletic and personal capabilities.

The initiative also contributed to the establishment of Oman’s first national Paralympic sailing team and enabled a number of participants to compete in local and international competitions.

The programme’s international profile was further strengthened in 2025, when Oman Sail hosted the first edition of the World Sailing Championship for People with Disabilities at Al Musannah Sailing School.

Sailors from the “Sail Free” programme competed alongside more than 100 sailors from countries around the world, giving several participants their first experience of global-level competition.