AAP General News (Australia)
12-19-1999
VIC: Parasailer sets out on record breaking journey
A Melbourne paraplegic has set sail in a bid to become the first disabled person to
sail solo, non-stop and unassisted around the world.
Thirty-two-year-old VINNY LAUWERS, from west suburban Footscray, was farewelled by
Premier STEVE BRACKS as he headed out from Williamstown on his custom-made yacht Vision
Quest.
Mr LAUWERS has been unable to walk since he severed his spinal cord in a motorcycle
accident when he was 22.
He's since competed in two Sydney to Hobart yacht races and three East Coast Ocean races.
Earlier this year, Mr LAUWERS completed the world's longest double-handed yacht race
with an amputee, covering 5,500 nautical miles from Melbourne to Osaka in Japan.
Mr LAUWERS is hoping to raise funds for Parasail - Caring For Kids, a non-profit organisation
which he set up for disabled and disadvantaged children four years ago.
AAP RTV hmg/sjg/sj/ag/jmt
KEYWORD: PARASAIL DEPART (MELBOURNE)
1999 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.
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