BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS AND NEVIS, October 11, 2026 — St. Kitts and Nevis is celebrating a historic achievement in international sport as sailor Elijah Walters earns a silver medal at the 2026 World Sailing Inclusion Championships in Portimão, Portugal, marking a proud moment for the Federation and a significant milestone for inclusive sailing.
Walters, accompanied by his coach, Nickhail Rogers, represented St. Kitts and Nevis at the prestigious championships, which ran from October 4–10. His medal-winning performance brings international recognition to the Federation and highlights the talent, determination, and potential of local athletes.
A Historic First for the Federation
The St. Kitts and Nevis Sailing Association (SKNSA) announced before the competition that Walters would become the first sailor from St. Kitts and Nevis to compete at the World Sailing Inclusion Championships. His participation and subsequent silver medal achievement represent an important breakthrough for sailing and inclusive sport in the country.
Walters has been sailing with the Nevis Aquatic and Sailing Centre (NASC) for approximately 15 years. Over that time, he has developed his sailing skills, confidence, and passion for the sport, supported by a community committed to making sailing accessible to people of all abilities.
At the 2026 championships, Walters competed in the ILCA 6, a single-handed racing dinghy in which he regularly trains in St. Kitts and Nevis. His participation placed the Federation among the nations making their debut at this year’s event.
Taking St. Kitts and Nevis to the World Stage
The World Sailing Inclusion Championships is World Sailing’s flagship event for Para Inclusive Sailing, bringing together athletes with physical, visual, and intellectual impairments in an international competitive environment.
The 2026 championships welcomed more than 200 athletes from over 40 countries across eight disciplines, providing opportunities for high-performance competition, athlete development, and greater inclusion in sailing.
Before the championship races, Walters and Rogers participated in World Sailing’s Inclusive Development Programme from October 1–3. The programme brought together athletes and coaches from around the world to strengthen skills, exchange knowledge, and advance inclusive sailing.
Walters’ silver medal is a testament to his years of commitment to the sport and the preparation undertaken with his coach in the lead-up to the championships.
Building a Pathway for Inclusive Sailing
For several years, SKNSA has worked to identify opportunities for sailors with disabilities to progress beyond local participation and compete internationally. Walters’ achievement represents an important step towards establishing a sustainable pathway for inclusive sailing in St. Kitts and Nevis.
Surrounded by the Caribbean Sea, the Federation has a natural connection to sailing and an opportunity to ensure that the sport is accessible to everyone, regardless of ability.
Walters’ success demonstrates what can be achieved when athletes are given opportunities, appropriate support, and access to international competition. His accomplishment also serves as an inspiration to young people and aspiring sailors throughout the Federation.
Gratitude and Recognition
The St. Kitts and Nevis Sailing Association has expressed heartfelt appreciation to the organisations and individuals whose support helped make Walters’ participation possible.
Special recognition is extended to World Sailing through its Emerging Nations Grant, the Nevis Island Administration’s Department of Sports, the Nevis Aquatic and Sailing Centre, and the many individuals and SKNSA club members who made personal financial contributions.
Their collective support helped create an opportunity for Walters to represent his country internationally and has contributed to opening a new pathway for inclusive sailing in St. Kitts and Nevis.
The Association also acknowledges coach Nickhail Rogers for his guidance and support throughout Walters’ sailing journey and during this historic international campaign.
A Proud Moment for St. Kitts and Nevis
Walters’ silver medal at the 2026 World Sailing Inclusion Championships is a landmark achievement for the Federation. It reflects the value of investing in sporting talent, promoting inclusion, and creating opportunities for athletes to excel beyond national borders.
St. Kitts and Nevis extends congratulations to Elijah Walters and Coach Nickhail Rogers on this outstanding accomplishment. Their success has brought pride to the nation and strengthened the Federation’s presence on the international sailing stage.
Elijah Walters has made history, proving that with determination, opportunity, and support, St. Kitts and Nevis can compete and succeed on the world stage.
