Come&Try Sailing

Sails ahoy for the disabled

By STUART MICHAEL
Copyright 1995-2004, Star Publications (Malaysia) Berhad. 10894-D

SAILING for the disabled may have taken off in other countries like Australia where about 3,000 disabled people take part in sailing competitions. In the case of Malaysia, the sport has just started.  Last Friday, about 20 disabled people had a chance to go sailing on their own under the Sailability Malaysia Programme launched at the Tasik Club located at the Putrajaya Lake.  Using special boats, the programme, mooted by Ian Anderson, teaches the disabled to sail on their own.  

“At first, many of the disabled were afraid of the water. However, as soon as one of the disabled people got into the boat, the others followed,” said Anderson, who is the Malaysian representative for Sailability Malaysia, 

“Our aim is to prepare a team from Malaysia for the 2008 Paralympic Games to be held in China. I like to promote sailing because I feel that it is the only sport that we cannot tell the difference between the able and the disabled.   “In fact, in Australia, some of the disabled people are teaching able people how to sail. I hope this will happen here some day and the sport catches up.'' 

Zulkifli Mohd Ali, who is also a keen wheelchair tennis player, said he was happy to be involved in the programme and hoped to lead Sailability Malaysia when the association is formed.   “I feel great whenever I sail. It feels like I am in control of things. I can decide where I want to go and do whatever I want as it all lies at the tips of my hands,” Zulkifli added.  “The theme of the programme, Sailability, means ‘freedom on the water regardless of ability.’ It signifies freedom to go wherever we want to go with the boat without any help from another person.  “Many of us (disabled people) feel trapped because we rely on others for help. Sailing gives us a feeling that we are free. That is why many of us want try it out.''  

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