Sailability NSW celebrates 10th Anniversary

by Graeme Adam on 29 Nov 2005 To celebrate International Day of People with a Disability (3 December 2005), and its own 10th Anniversary, Sailability NSW will be taking part in the State’s largest program of cultural and sporting events for people with a disability.

‘Sailabration’ marks the first decade of a grass roots movement dedicated to fostering ‘freedom on the water regardless of ability’. There will be a fun sail followed by a twilight dinner on the shores of Sydney Harbour for 200 guests. VIP support on the night will come from within sailing, disability and government circles. Address is Sir David Martin Reserve, New Beach Rd, Rushcutters Bay.

The event is open to all – information and seat reservations can be obtained by emailing janeenh@optusnet.com.au. Cost is $35 per head.

During November and December 2005, over 110 events will take place across NSW including art exhibitions, sporting festivals, dance parties, dinners, guided tours and concerts.

‘‘Sailabration’ is an opportunity for the community of sailors with disabilities, volunteers and supporters to contribute to International Day of People with a Disability and to celebrate the abilities of 1.2 million people in NSW with a disability’, says Neil Anderson, President of Sailability NSW.

For the second year running, the NSW Department of Ageing, Disability and Home Care (DADHC) is promoting Don't DIS my ABILITY, a thought provoking campaign recognising that people with a disability are major achievers in our community in all aspects of daily life.

Within Sailability NSW, there are men and women with disabilities who have done amazing things. They include: Lindsay Dalmon (cerebral palsy) winner of Yachting Australia Disabled Sailor Award 2003; Maria Dalmon (cerebral palsy) and Maryanne Ireland (paraplegic), YA awards for competitive sailing; and Jackie Kay (MS) and Phil Vardy (paraplegia) whose trail-blazing work has propelled them to senior positions in Sailability World and International Foundation for Disabled Sailing respectively.

Grahme Rayner, Vice-President of Sailability NSW (single amputee), has sailed in the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race and other major ocean races. Don Scott of Sailability Dobroyd won the International Blind Match Sailing Championship (with Paul Borg of Sailability Gippsland) in 2005. Victorian Vinnie Lauers (paraplegic) sailed solo around the world in 2000.

International Day of People with a Disability is part of a worldwide celebration designated by the UN.