Paralympian Coach leads Canadian Sailing Team to Tokyo Olympics

AbleSail Network Canada is proud to share that its Board Chair, Paul Tingley, is headed to the Olympic Games in Tokyo as coach of the Canadian 470 sailing team.

Tingley needs no introduction in the sailing world. A five-time Paralympian and triple medallist, he is considered one of the world’s top solo competitors in the sport. It’s little wonder he was approached to coach the Canadian crew of Jacob Saunders and Oliver Bone toward the Olympics. The trio departs from Halifax on Monday for Japan.

“I’m very excited to be involved with the 470 Men’s Olympic sailing team.They’ve been training a lot in home waters with our local experts, and we are ready to represent Canada,” said Tingley. “We will do our best, fight at every opportunity, and leave knowing that we gave it our all. It is an honour to wear the Maple Leaf at the international stage.”

When Tingley is not at the Olympics, he contributes his valuable expertise to AbleSail Network’s vision of increasing awareness of and participation in adapted sailing programs for Canadian sailors with disabilities.

“Based on my experience with disabled sailing and what it’s done for me in my life, I passionately believe in it.” Tingley explained. “I want to share the experience and make sure that others are aware that this opportunity is available to them.”

Hailing from a sports-obsessed family, he started sailing at age 10 and racing at 25. After a 1994 skiing accident left him paralyzed from the waist down, Tingley fell in love with disabled sailing and joined Sail Able Nova Scotia as a member. Since then, he has been deeply involved in advocating the benefits of adapted sailing.

AbleSail Network’s Vice-Chair Paula Stone added, “We are absolutely thrilled to see Paul coaching the Canadian 470 sailing team and wish them the very best at the Olympics. It’s an exceptional accomplishment and example to the AbleSail community and all Canadians.