Disabled sailors race to the finish line

3 Dec 2008, 4:47 pm   -   Source: AAP
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A crew of disabled sailors ranging from a double amputee to dyslexics hope to inspire people when it tackles the Sydney to Hobart yacht race.

But the seriously competitive team from Sailors with disABILITIES (SWD) also aims to win as well, after taking out it race division last year.

SWD named its crew for the 2008 race at Sydney's Rushcutters Bay on Wednesday, in celebration of International Day of People with a Disability.

It is the 14th straight year SWD has lined up on Boxing Day to take on the famous annual bluewater yacht race.

SWD president David Leslie said the race was the pinnacle for the not-for-profit organisation, which aims to empower disabled adults and children through sailing programs.

"We offer the opportunity for disabled kids and young people to get out on the water and show themselves what they can do as well as the rest of the world what they can do," Leslie said.

This year's crew includes dyslexic skipper David Pescud, double amputee Albert Lee, visually impaired Kirk Watson, hearing impaired Christina Schulthess, dyslexic Josh Thatcher and Alan Grundy, who has polio.

Pescud, who founded SWD in 1984, already has two Sydney to Hobart division wins and many other placings.

The skipper says he was inspired to take up sailing to prove nothing was impossible.

"I could never accept being `written off' because of my disability," he said.

"I was always more interested in what you can do rather than what you can't do.

"We are trying to say to people `c'mon, have a go', to show the world what disabled people can do and inspire able-bodied, as well as disabled people alike."

Lee became involved with SWD in 1994 after losing both his legs in a train accident at the age of 20.

Along with six other SWD crew members, Lee holds the record for circumnavigating Australia non-stop in 2003.

He is passionate about helping others with disabilities to get involved and believes SWD offers a great opportunity to change people's mindset on disability.

"I've lived it and breathed it. This is a great avenue for letting people know what is possible," Lee said.

"You adapt yourself to what your strengths are and minimise your weaknesses."

He said it was also important for children to see that sportspeople of all abilities could achieve great things.

"Kids see role models and learn what their true limitations are, not what other people tell them they are," Lee said.

People can follow the SWD crew on their yacht Kayle via live feeds at sailorswithdisabilities.com during the race.
 
 

 

 

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