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Firm sponsors Andi's challenge
A blind sailor's Paralympic dreams are a step closer to becoming a reality after a local company agreed to sponsor him.
Andi Garcia, 36, of Corby, will be competing in a national regatta this weekend thanks to a 300 grant by town centre owners Land Securities.
The company contacted him after reading a story in the Evening Telegraph last week about his bid to find the money to compete.
Mr Garcia said: "Without this support I would have been pretty much up the creek without a paddle.
"It's going to be a big help. It's going to open up a whole new world for me.
"I'm really grateful to Land Securities for their support.
"I'd like to thank all those other people who have given smaller donations, a few pounds here and there. All the support I have is great. I won't let anybody down."
Mr Garcia, who lost his sight and then the use of his legs due to
diabetes, is hoping for a good finish in the Visually Impaired and Blind Sailing Regatta, near Ipswich, which is taking place from Friday to Sunday.
He hopes this will get him recognised by those involved in the sport.
He said: "I've got grit and determination."
Town Centre manager for Land Securities Daniel Pickard said: "This year we are looking at ways to benefit people through the Willow Place and Corby Town Centre Community Fund.
"We're looking at ways we can make a significant difference to individuals' lives.
"For someone with Andi's drive to want to improve their life is fantastic and provides motivation for other people with disabilities.
"We are going to sit down and have a chat with Andi to work out other ways we can help.
"Obviously we can't help with significant funds, but if we can help someone to progress and help stimulate other sponsorship, we certainly will."
Mr Garcia, of Hastings Walk, who has had a kidney transplant, was told by doctors he would never walk again. But he overcame their doubts.
He learned to sail after friends dared him to overcome his fear of water.
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Weather for Kettering
Thursday 24 May 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 12 C to 25 C
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