The Special Olympics - Special sailors sparkle in the sunshine

9:58 PM Wed 21 Apr 2010 GMT

'Close competition - Special Olympics - Sailing' Steve Hall

Special sailors sparkled in the sunshine at the Special Olympics sailing competition being held at the Adelaide Sailing club. Dazzling Indian summer conditions, added to the electric atmosphere, with participant crews coming from across Australia including New South Wales, Australian Capital Territory, Queensland, Victoria and the host state South Australia.

Access Dinghy - Special Olympics - Sailing - Steve Hall

Although the strong tides caused issues with some competitors, light to moderate afternoon sea breezes filled-in from late morning, the Gulf St Vincent added settled conditions providing perfect picture postcard conditions for athletes.

When Technical Delegate for Sailing, Deirdre Schahinger was asked about the benefits of sailing, she said: 'Sailing builds confidence through gaining new skills, and the camaraderie really assists special sailors'. Continuing she said, 'Sailing is an international language, we have six competitors in the special Olympics world games due to be held in Athens in August 2001, from this regatta a team will be considered for selection'.

'75% of this regatta's sailors have competed in the National Access championships; we chose the venue because of the open water and excellent facilities. I would really like to thank the volunteers from the Adelaide Sailing Club and the Special Olympics, they have been fantastic,' said Deirdre.

Athletes compete in Access dinghies which are designed for special sailors with a ballasted centreboard, joystick steering and the ability to reef both the main and jib from the cockpit.

Ben Walter (Skipper) with his Dad crew Shane - Special Olympics - Sailing - Steve Hall

'I'm looking forward to seeing the dolphins,' said Ben Walter, division two Skipper (aged 11). 'We don't talk about the first race,' said his crew Shane Walter, his dad after an incident with a buoy, misjudging the strong tide flowing along the West Beach shore. 'Though we did really well and got a third in the second race,' said Shane.

Ben, enjoying the competition, repeated the Special Olympics catch cry; 'Let me win, but If I cannot win then, let me be brave in the attempt.' Ben's next step is into Westwind 24 keelboats as part of Port Adelaide Sailing Club's Sailability program.

Sailing and the sea is in Ben's family, with a big week for the Walter family, his dad Shane a skipper on ocean tugs and grandad Dennis Walter, one of the best there is, about to receive his Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the Australia Day Honours, for 'Service to the sailing community of South Australia'.

Commenting on Ben not able to attend due to his sailing commitments on the final day Dennis said, 'Special Olympics is far more important in developing kids like Ben than any investiture that I will ever attend.'

The Special Olympics is a not-for-profit organisation that transforms the lives of people with an intellectual disability through regular sports participation and competition.

Competition details can be viewed at the 'Special Olympics' website: www.specialolympics.com.au