FAI - Annual Report 2014

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FAI ANNUAL REPORT–2014 28
Air Sports
Multi-Sports
Events
The FAI is keen to be part of the extended sports
community through participation in multi-sports events,
whether they be world or regional. Having air sports
competitions at The World Games or the Asian Beach
Games, for example, allows them to benefit from the
vast media attention that these large-scale events
attract. It is also an excellent opportunity to showcase
our air sports by presenting disciplines formatted for
the maximum enjoyment of the spectators on site,
social media users and TV viewers. We can hope that the
performances of our athletes will generate enthusiasm
for air sports in regions such as Asia, where the potential
for growth is immense.
The Federation was delighted to see three of its sports,
namely Glider Aerobatics, Parachuting Canopy Piloting and
Paramotoring, selected by the International World Games
Association to be on the programme of The World Games
2017 set to be held in Wroclaw, Poland.
FAI Secretary General Susanne Schödel declared:
“The World Games 2013 in Cali were a great success for
air sports, and the experience we gained will allow us to
do even better in 2017. In the last edition we had two air
sports events at the programme, so being granted onemore
is an honour that we are proud of and a challenge that we
take up with wholehearted commitment and enthusiasm.”
In 2014, air sports were involved in the 4th Asian Beach
Games, which took place in Phuket, Thailand, from14 to 23
November. Paragliding Accuracy and Paramotoring were
present at this event. They proved to be a great example of
how two sports can be organised jointly and be interesting
for the crowds. Overall, the organisation was excellent
and the FAI officials and competitors enjoyed smooth
organisation, from the catering and the accommodation
to the logistics and technical support.
The weather was challenging at times with wind above
7 m/s or heavy rain. Winching, which was a first for many
of the participating pilots, gave a perfect opportunity to
move the paragliding competition close to the public and
to show how attractive and interesting this sport is. It was
heart-warming to see that the spectators came in large
numbers to watch the competitions, regardless of the
sometimes difficult weather conditions or the early start
of the events.