Jordon sets sights on Sailing challenge

By Aruna Lolani 23 August 2017, 12:00AM

After climbing the tallest towers around the world, Jordon Milroy is ready to take on the high seas as his next challenge. 

Jordon is a member of the Apia Yacht Club.

He has become the first Samoan with a disability to have been invited to attend a World Sailing Paralympics Development Programme Sailing Clinic in France and then to represent Samoa in the European Hansa Class Championships.

Thus will be held at Meze, situated on the Étang de Thau in southern France from October 21 to 27. The host club is the Yacht Club de Meze.

Jordon will be coached by Paralympics sailor, Chris Sharp. Apia Yacht Club will be partnering with Sailability Auckland; to help with training, boats as well as other equipment.

His mother and one of his biggest supporters, Raema von Reiche, is extremely proud of her son.

“Well that’s Jordon,” she said. “He sets goals for himself and then one of his goals now is to go sailing and do the competition because he was invited as a disabled person."

 “I’m really proud of him because I coach Sailing and when he was young I taught him to sail but he never really took it up because he was also doing this tower climb but now he’s coming back to it, you know something that he has learned as a child."

“I’m really proud of him because it’s not easy for him and it’s not an easy sport."

“Sailing is quite technical but because he has a physical disability it’s very difficult for him but he’s got a pull on the ropes and all that kind of stuff. So he’s doing social training where he goes to the gym and does all the fine motive skills that he needs for sailing." 

“We’ve never had a disabled sailor before represent Samoa and I think it’s good that he’s got the opportunity to represent Samoa."

“We support everything and with whatever decision he wants to do.”

As much as Jordon is happy about finally ticking the box for climbing great height for others; he needs financial help as he makes his way into achieving his new goal and that is to become the first disabled sailor to represent Samoa in international competition.

According to Jordon’s page and website ‘Give a little’, the ambitious climber and now sailor asks for all our help in raising the funds for his dream.

“I am passionate about putting Samoa on the sailing map however this dream comes with a price tag of $8,000-10,000 New Zealand dollars. This includes flights, accommodation (for Chris and I), race entry, sailing gear and boat hire.

“I know this is a lot to ask but if you are able to make a donation. I’ll be able sail the French seas in your name."

“I’m completely humbled by this opportunity.”

You can donate directly to Jordon’s campaign on   

https://givealittle.co.nz/cause/samoansailor or giving in your donation to the Apia Yacht Club.   

 

     

By Aruna Lolani 23 August 2017, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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