Home
International
Access Class
Association
Access Dinghies
The Company
Sailing for All
Accessible Sailing
Ame
Bluey
Nava
Universal Design
Foundation
Support Info
Remarks
News
Newsletters
Regattas
Where?
Contact us
Sailability Online
Ame's Story
Ame
was born with no arms and only half a leg. She uses her three toes for
eating, writing and fulfilling her passion for sailing. In 1997 eight
year old Ame won a silver medal at the Australian Access Dinghy C'ships
held in Canberra. In 1999 she took out the gold medal in Division 4, sailing
against able bodied as well as other disabled sailors and in 2000 came
an admirable third in Division 3.
2008 Update
In
2007 Ame began attending Woollongong University studying for a Bachelor
of Creative Sound. After sailing for ten years Ame is now training in
the SKUD18, hoping to one day represent Australia at the Paralympics.
Ame's team, "Rockin' the Boat" regularly trains at Rushcutters
Bay, Sydney. Please download
background information about Ame's campaign and how you can assist.
Written by Ame in 1998.
I am writing to tell you how I felt when I first went sailing. It was on the Warango Basin. There wasn't much wind and Mum and Dad were close by and I just floated around.
The National Championships in Canberra were way different. I was racing and the wind was much stronger. I was scared at first but got braver. Mum and Dad were far away. I didn't mind, I felt safe. The boat was really easy to steer. Twice the boat tipped and the sail touched the water. Once I learn all the tricks to sailing and I listen to what Chris I'd like to go in the 2004 Olympics.
I can sail better than Kate and Robert. I was very happy when I received my silver medal from Kay Cottee. Just think, if I listen to Chris next time I might even win gold.
Sir
William Deane, the then Governor General of Australia & Patron of
the Access Dinghy Foundation, presenting Ame with a trophy at the 1999
Australian Access Dinghy Championships in Canberra.
Written by Ame in 2003.
It's five years since I first went sailing. I still get a buzz every time I go out on the water. I now have an Australian Sports Medal and also carried the Olympic Torch through my hometown of Narooma, which was one of the best days in my life.
The National titles are now much more than racing because I get to catch up with friends I've met over the years from sailing. Sir William Deane is one friend I will miss.
I think I've got a little bit braver since I first raced (I now have to listen to Dad instead of Chris). The competition is getting harder (my Mum says this is good for me) and I'm getting older and more experienced.
I
have my own Liberty now and really love sailing it because it goes a lot
faster!
In October we went to Japan for the International Championships. Even Mum, although she is scared of flying. I looked after her on the plane.
Sailing has given me so much more confidence and more freedom. I'd like
to thank Chris Mitchell who got me in my first boat and my family for
taking me there.
Copyright © Access Dinghies, 2002-2005