‘Don’t say no because it’s difficult’: disabled Hong Kong sailor making waves and making history
Foo Yuen-wai becomes first Para athlete to complete the gruelling 26 nautical mile Around the Island Race – and now he’s targeting the Paralympics
There were around 1,400 people on 230 boats taking part in last weekend’s Around the Island Race, and even two dogs wearing life jackets, but it won’t have been more special for any participant than Hong Kong’s Foo Yuen-wai.
Not only did Foo, 45, become the first Para athlete to complete the gruelling 26 nautical mile course, he did it in the smallest boat in the fleet – a 2.4mR named The Kaplan, which he operated single-handedly.
Despite a childhood case of polio that left him using a wheelchair, the insurance salesman achieved his dream of learning to sail with Sailability Hong Kong, a charity that provides boats and training for disabled people.
“I want to tell everyone that even if you’re like me, sitting in a wheelchair for a long time, you can sail, even on a single-handed boat, operating everything by yourself,” said Foo at the Hong Kong Yacht Club, ahead of the Around the Island Race awards ceremony.
“Don’t say no to sailing, just because it is difficult – anyone can do anything.”
