A short history of DSA Alberta...

People with mobility impairments are extremely limited in the range of sports and recreational activities available to them. Safety and accessibility are always prime considerations for those with mobility impairments and for many, their participation in outdoor activities is limited to being a spectator, a passive onlooker. Sailing, long regarded as a symbol of freedom and independence, has been only a symbol for people with disabilities - until recently.

In 1989 sailing became more than just a symbol when Sam Sullivan, himself a quadriplegic, started a disabled sailing program for people with disabilities in Vancouver, and formed the Disabled Sailing Association of B.C. (DSA-BC). By 1994, DSA-BC had a total of 16 specially adapted "Sunbird" sailboats in three Chapters located in Vancouver, Victoria, and Kelowna. Since its inception, the program has provided 1000's of children and adults with sailing experiences, and recruited over 200 volunteers.

Inspired by this very successful program, the members of the Glenmore Sailing Club (GSC) undertook to introduce sailing to Calgarians with disabilities. GSC found great interest in the program, hosting more than 150 Calgarians in seven "events"during a four-week Sailing for People with Disabilities Project in July 1994. 

At the end of the sailing season, twelve new sailors formed the Disabled Sailing Association of Alberta (DSA Alberta) with the goal of establishing permanent sailing programs for children and adults with disabilities in Alberta. Now, after many seasons of successful operation, thousands of Albertans can say they've “Gone Sailing!” through DSA Alberta programs.

DSA Alberta's largely volunteer organization has grown into a recognized and healthy community service, partnering with more than 20 local agencies providing recreational opportunities for disabled children and adults in Calgary, and recently in Red Deer and Edmonton. DSA Alberta hosted Mobility Cup 2005, Canada's International Regatta for Sailors with Disabilities. In fact, DSA Alberta's programs have been used as a model for new DSAs in Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec and in the U.S., Bermuda and Puerto Rico.

There are more than 30,000 adults and children with mobility impairments in Calgary, any of whom may benefit from accessibility to sailing as a recreation/therapy experience. Participation in disabled sailing events can and should extend to include the family, friends, neighbours, and co-workers of the disabled, as well as volunteer Calgarians. In fact, our programs facilitate integration of the sailors with disabilities with able-bodied volunteers, resulting in both parties learning more about each other. This generous and cooperative spirit does much to enhance the DSA Alberta programs and events, and the staff and Board of Directors of DSA Alberta look forward to continuing to expand our "family" of sailors and supporters.