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Post Polio Support Group

Post polio support group to sail the Southport seas

by Laura on August 5, 2009

A day sailing on the Broadwater will soothe anything that ails you, promises Sailors with disABILITIES (SWD) Captain Allan Grundy.

On the eve of Post Polio Awareness Week (3-9 August), Allan treated six Gold Coast Post Polio Support Group members to a relaxing two-hour sail around the Broadwater.

Allan also has something in common with the group – he was diagnosed with polio at the age of one.

“While I wear a caliper on my right leg, I fortunately haven’t experienced the late effects of polio, or Post Polio Syndrome,” Allan said.

An advertisement in a polio network newsletter 15 years ago sparked his love of sailing the seas with SWD.

Now, SWD has grown enormously, with the group currently holding its 13th Northern Sailing Program at various ports throughout Queensland this winter.

The members of the Gold Coast Post Polio Support Group, which is a service of the Spinal Injuries Association, sustained polio during the epidemic more than 50 years ago, and have started to experience the late effects of the condition.

Group convenor Lyn Glover said the invitation to sail aboard Kayle, the SWD yacht was extremely exciting.

“Most of us have never had this opportunity before, to spend a day exploring our local waterways, and learn the ropes of sailing,” Lyn said.

“As we all have various side effects from polio, which can be quite debilitating, this will be a great way of forgetting our ailments for a day.”

Allan said this was the wonderful outcome of sailing and why he found it so rejuvenating.

“We’ve taken a few groups of children with disabilities out and they’ve had a fantastic time.

“We work to their ability, and don’t focus on their disability. When they work together and put the sail up, the look on their faces is priceless.

“It makes me forget my problems and appreciate all of the things that can be achieved.”

Spinal Injuries Association CEO Mark Henley said the Association and SWD shared similar goals – both were dedicated to empowering people with a disability to be active and independent.

“Our members who went sailing reinforce there should be no impediment to getting out in your community,” Mr Henley said.

To learn more about Post Polio Support go to the website: http://www.spinal.com.au/news/post-polio-support-group-to-sail-the-southport-seas/

Achievements

• David Pescud awarded NSW Maritime Medal