Sports
First ever sailing for disabled in Malta
By MM Sports
May 18, 2008 - 3:04:09 PM

The Razzett tal-Hbiberija is launching the eagerly awaited Sailing for Disabled programme on Sunday the 18th of May at 11.30CET. The programme aims at providing accessible sailing to people of any disability, physical or learning.

The investment in two specialised Access sailing boats by the Razzett will allow even a completely paralysed individual to sail solo, in a safe and independent way. The Access Liberty is a fully accessible single seat boat that is equipped with servo motors that allows solo sailing, just by using mouth and chin controls via a joystick. The second boat, called an 'Access 303 Wide' is a two-seater and allows an adult to assist a child with disability or an individual with learning disabilities.

The Razzett tal-Hbiberija and Vikings Sailing Club partnership was a perfect match. Vikings Club have been extraordinary, adapting their property to allow wheelchair access, providing storage space for the boats, and more importantly providing the sailing expertise to match our disability expertise to provide this specialist and truly inspiring activity.

For the first time in their lives, people with a severe disability can take part in an individual sport that will allow them the freedom to reach a level of independence rarely achieved before. Sailing for the physically disabled also qualifies for the Paralympic games.

We are aiming to provide sailability participation and eventually courses, on most weekend. Please contact Lidwina Schembri Wismayer on 21636526 or lidwinasw@razzett.org for more information.