From Grassroots Beginnings to Shaping Paralympic Futures:

AbleSail Alum Jenny Davey Appointed to Para World Sailing Committee

“Watching his journey was so exciting!” Jenny Davey and Paralympian Bronze medallist Scott Lutes at the 2016 Paralympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Award-winning Para sailing coach and advocate, Jenny Davey, described her introduction to the Para sailing community in one word: “serendipitous.”

With nearly two decades of experience building Para sailing in Canada from the grassroots level, she also holds a strong vision for creating more capacity and a pipeline for future Paralympic opportunities. It’s little wonder that this lifelong champion for adaptive sailing would be recognized and invited to apply her Canadian lens at the sport’s international level.

Chosen by Para World Sailing Committee

In exciting news, Jenny was recently appointed to World Sailing’s Para World Sailing Committee. Responsible for promoting and supporting Paralympic sailing programmes worldwide, the Committee also makes event and equipment recommendations to World Sailing.

"I was a little surprised, flattered and intrigued", Jenny said of the news of her nomination and election.  "There are so many excellent candidates to approach in Canada for this kind of global leadership. While it’s validating to know that my work has been recognized, this appointment is truly a reflection of everyone around me and all they’ve taught me.”

She continued, “My skill set and expertise are thanks to people like Paula Stone and René Dallaire at AbleSail Network and the Association québécoise de voile adaptée (AQVA), as well as Karell Regnier and Christine Lavallée at Nepean Sailing Club. I’ve also been able to grow from the support and mentorship of many athletes and coaches at events like Mobility Cup. To be part of this international body now is a reflection of the greater community that has been behind me over the years.”