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Tuesday, 19 October 2010 14:05 Last Updated on Saturday, 16 April 2011 20:54 Written by Vallance

The Mobility Cup is a truly international event, with competitors from across Canada and the United States; from Europe and as far away as New Zealand taking part every year. It is also a truly inclusive event, open to anyone with a significant disability, regardless of his or her sailing experience.

The Mobility Cup was the brainchild of Sam Sullivan, quadriplegic former mayor of Vancouver. During Expo 86, then British Prime Minister, Margaret Thatcher, donated a Sunbird sailboat to Rick Hansen, to honour his ‘Man in Motion World Tour.’ In 1988, Mr Hansen presented the boat to Sam Sullivan, who subsequently used it to found the Disabled Sailing Association of BC. The first Mobility Cup was held in Vancouver in 1991, and the event returned to that city in 2010, where it was hosted by the Royal Vancouver Yacht Club.

The Mobility Cup is recognized as Canada's international regatta for sailors with disabilities. Through the use of innovative technology, Canada has become a leader in making sailing accessible to people living with severe disabilities.

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The 2011 Rotary Mobility Cup features the Mobility Cup for the top Martin 16 sailor, the Canadian Championship for the Liberty class and the North American Championship for the 2.4mR class.