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Letter to the Editor by Phil VARDY (AUS)
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The IFDS Bulletin of 2 June 2008 (No. 57) describes the recent 2008 IFDS Qingdao International Regatta and states that I said the following at the closing ceremony
'Over the past few days, the top athletes from 16 countries competed on Fushan Bay and have given us wonderful and unforgettable impressions in the sailing events. As the largest IFDS International Regatta in terms of scale in Asia, this regatta gave us a comprehensive test of competition organizing procedures, venue and the city's accessible facilities, Qingdao Paralympic Village Operations, Services, Security and City Operations etc. before the Paralympic Sailing Competition. It has brought us valuable experience and laid a solid foundation for the coming Paralympic Sailing Competition.'
The above might bear some resemblance to what was said by the interpreter who translated my words into Chinese, but it bears no resemblance to what I said. My words, read from a script that had been earlier submitted to the Qingdao Mayoral office for approval and translation, were as follows:
'The measure of a man is not the wealth he acquires. The worth of a woman is not the affluence she attains. How then do we gauge greatness? Human beings should be judged by the principles that they propound and by the obstacles that they overcome. By those standards, we, tonight, find ourselves in the company of giants.
This week, on the waters off Qingdao, women with impaired hands sailed against men with useless legs, and again defined the meaning of ability.
The Qingdao International regatta was originally intended as a modestly-funded opportunity for disabled sailors to experience conditions on the Yellow Sea. But in just he last few weeks, the championship became a major test for Olympic and Paralympic sailing. The regatta was expected to reveal weaknesses in preparation. Instead, it demonstrated major strengths in preparedness. China is ready for the Olympic and Paralympic Games. Qingdao is ready for the Olympic and Paralympic regattas. Staff, volunteers and sailors are ready for racing.
Madam Zang (Vice-Mayor of Qingdao), Qingdao will become the sailing capital of Asia. The city is also positioned to become the Asian model for excellence in disability services. The future is merely a mater of choice for the people and government of Qingdao.
Ladies and gentlemen, it will not be just me who thanks the Vice-Chairman of the Olympic Sailing Committee (Madam Zang). It will be you. It will not be just me who thanks the enormously long list of people who delivered the success that was the Qingdao International Regatta. It will be you.
Our species is not constrained by a belief in the impossible. Let us therefore rise and applaud our friends who made all this happen.'
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IFDS Annual General Meeting
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Find out more on the IFDS Annual General Meeting to be held in Madrid this November
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Beijing 2008
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Notice of Race and Doping Guide published for 2008 Paralympic Sailing Competition
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Disabled Sailing Events
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Get the latest news on disabled sailing events around the world and send us your reports!
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© BOCOG
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Key Documents for 2008 Paralympic Games
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The final version of the Notice of Race for the 2008 Paralympic Sailing Competition is now available to download from the ISAF Paralympic microsite.
The IPC Manufacturers Identification Guidelines and IFDS Guide to Decal Application to Mainsails have also been published.
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Read more here
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© sailing2008.org
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© IOC
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Paralympic Games Doping Control Guide Published
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The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) has published and circulated the "Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games Doping Control Guide".
The Guide will be applied during the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games, from the day of the opening of the Paralympic Village on 30 August to the Closing Ceremony.
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Read more here
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US Disabled Championship
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Going into the last day of racing on Monday at the US Disabled Sailing Championship, it was not a sealed deal for Paralympic Team members Rick DOERR, Tim ANGLE and Bill DONOHUE in the Sonar.
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Read more here
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Forthcoming Events
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The calendar at the bottom of this email shows all forthcoming and recent disabled sailing events. Make sure you keep us up to date with your event details - just send us details of the date, venue, classes and contact details.
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Send your event details to IFDS
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Future IFDS Bulletins
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IFDS welcomes feedback from past IFDS Bulletins and contributions for future issues. The IFDS Bulletin is published every month and your contributions are invited. Please send information to ifds@isaf.co.uk.
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Please feel free to forward the IFDS Bulletin to your email distribution lists.
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Phone:
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Fax:
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Website:
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www.sailing.org/disabled
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