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Ame
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. Now at 13 years old, Ame is competitive
Division 2 sailor and has been the reigning Servo Assist
Australian Champion since 1998. She is also current
International Servo Assist Champion.
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.
Its 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.
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