Yap Qian Yin has never allowed her disability to dictate the quality of life she wants to lead. This Sunday, the 22 year old who lives with paraplegia, will be one of the fresh faces contending in the Neptune Orient Lines/APL (NOL/APL) regatta.

Organised by the Singapore Disability Sports Council (SDSC) and Sailability Singapore, this weekend’s race at theChangi Sailing Club will be the third leg, of the three day series race. It also marks the final competition of the 7th National Disability League (NDL).

Fifteen sailors participating in this regatta are physically disabled, hearing or visually impaired and patients from the Institute of Mental Health (IMH).  They are all from SDSC’s elite and development teams.

Qian Yin had no idea she had a knack or interest for sailing till she was persuaded by her mentor, three time Singapore paralympian Jovin Tan who encouraged Qian Yin to give it a go. Over the past year, her love for the sport – along with the people involved – has grown. Since then, she has gone from strength to strength, clinching first place in the recent Western Circuit Regatta.

Many sailors like Qian Yin from the SDSC development team have reaped the benefits of sailing. The sport not only tests their physical endurance but also boosts their immune system and their confidence.

Sailing for the disabled can be a difficult feat if not for the help of the coaches and volunteers. The social interaction and support from the volunteers, helps nurture the disabled sailors holistically.

Competitions like the NOL/APL regatta give our disabled sailors and their coaches the exposure and confidence they need to compete in various local and international competitions.

Quote:
‘I’ve learn a lot from sailing, especially the races – how to accept both defeat and victory without forgetting to always be humble,’ Qian Yin quips.

Details of the Event
Date: 25 November 2012
Venue: Changi Sailing Club
Address: 32 Netheravon Road
Time: 12.30 pm – 7.30pm