My name is Chris Jonas. I am legally blind and will be bringing a team of highly competitive sailors to the 2026 Blind World Championships in Portimao, Portugal beginning October 1, 2026. This will be my 5th world championships, having reached the podium in each of the past two; a Bronze in Sheboygan, Wisconsin in 2017 and a Gold in Kingston, Ontario in 2019. Now after the Covid years we are back representing Canada once again – and we need your support.
This event in Portugal is particularly important for the sport of blind racing. After witnessing the high level of competitiveness in recent world championship events, World Sailing has embraced blind sailing and is now including a Vision Impaired class. Also – the world Paralympic Committee is seriously considering adding Blind Sailing to the 2032 games – this would mark the FIRST TIME EVER that blind sailing has been included. It is crucial that major blind sailing events leading up to 2032 draw as many participants as possible. PLEASE help us bring a strong Canadian presence to this World Championship event in Portugal. WE CANNNOT DO IT WITHOUT YOUR SUPPORT!
All donations through Wind Athletes Canada, regardless of amount, will result in a Charitable Tax Receipt for donors in Canada or the U.S. Thank you so very much for helping us get to this world championship event representing Canada!
Best,
Chris Jonas