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Brave Andi seeks Paralympic glory
A blind man who has conquered his fear of water and learned to sail is to take part in a regatta which could be a stepping stone to competing in the Paralympics.
Andi Garcia, who cannot swim, suffers from type one diabetes and lost the sight in both eyes six years ago because of the condition – and then the use of both legs.
The 36-year-old's doctors told him he would never walk again but, after a kidney transplant, he managed to teach himself how to walk.
Then his friends dared him to learn to sail and now, just two years later, he is aiming for Paralympic glory.
Andi, from Hastings Walk, Corby, said: "I was always scared of water but when my friend dared me to do it I just decided to get in there and go for it. I took to it instantly and I've won so many things now."
Just 12 weeks after first stepping into a boat, Andi won first place at the biggest-ever regatta for the disabled in the country – the Sailability Multi Class Regatta at Rutland Water.
His next ambition is to take part in the 2013 World Blind Sailing Championships in Japan.
In order to do this, he first needs to be noticed by the selectors and get some experience under his belt.
He said: "It's all about getting experience in bigger boats.
"I've just had to take a year out because of my health so it's important to get some more experience.
"The ultimate aim is to compete for Great Britain at the 2016 Paralympics."
Andi – a cook before he lost his sight – trains with Rutland Sailability and sails his dinghy by working out the wind direction from where it hits his face and then moving the boat accordingly.
In order to give himself the best chance of getting selected for his country, Andi, who lives on disability benefit, needs to take part in a three-day regatta in Ipswich later this month.
The event is likely to cost in the region of 300 and Andi is looking for sponsorship to enable him to foot the bill. Anyone willing to help can call him on 07827 909307.
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Saturday 11 February 2012
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