IN October this year, Port Stephens man Jason Elwes will make the trip to Hiroshima, Japan for a regatta, as part of the 2018 Hansa Class World and International Championships.

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With the assistance of 300 volunteers this unique Class will see around 200 disabled and able-bodied sailors compete against each other in open competition.

Jason is appealing to local businesses and individuals to help him make his dream to compete come true, as he raises funds to enable him to compete amongst up to 60 Australian sailors that will attend with their supporters.

Jason is not new to facing challenges to get where he needs to be, or to achieving things important to him.

He told News Of The Area, “I had a fall in 1993 resulting in complete paraplegia and closed brain injury, and for a number of years I found it hard to adjust and didn’t have an eye on the big picture.”

“About nine years ago I was invited to check out a program called Sailability, I went along with the idea of volunteering my help and looking to challenge my mind with something new.”

“Once I was shown the program, I immediately knew I was to stay involved in whatever way I could.”

‘From there, I was introduced to sailing as a sport and I have taken on the art of competitive sailing with gusto,” he said.

“Recently I was chosen to become a member of the Paralympic Selection Squad, as Australia prepares for the reintroduction of sailing for the 2024 Paris games,” he added.

Local sponsorship of any size will assist in Jason’s goal to attend Hiroshima, which will provide him with additional high-level competition experience as he works towards the goal of representing his country at the next Paralympics.

Jason is committed to reaching his dream, and sharing his experiences and journey with those around him, with the added hope that he may also encourage others to work hard to overcome any obstacles they may face.

Jason can be contacted on 0412653467 or jaelwes@bigpond.com.

By Rachael VAUGHAN