Jamaican para sailor Andre Daley wrote his name in the history books, picking up the inaugural World Sailing Caribbean Inclusive Sailing Championship recently in Antigua and Barbuda.Daley became the first holder of the Caribbean title as well as the first para sailor in the history of the Jamaica Paralympic Association (JPA).In a field of 23 sailors and coaches representing 10 different countries, Daley and his coach, Emma Paul, dominated the competition and finished atop the three-day championships.Daley’s performance was made even more special as this was his first time competing in para sailing.Daley, an accomplished diver, was hurt during a diving accident where he was afflicted with ‘the bends’, medically known as decompression sickness.Decompression sickness is a condition that happens when a diver comes up too quickly from deep water. While underwater, the body absorbs nitrogen, which can form bubbles in the blood and tissues if the diver ascends too quickly.But his condition did not stop Daley, who pivoted from diving to para sailing.“My experience at the Antigua sailing week was great. Even though it was my first time learning to sail, I came first in my event,” Daley said.“It was a bit challenging at first, but I adapted quickly and was rewarded for my efforts. I hope to improve on my skills, participate in more sailing events in the near future, and eventually represent my country, Jamaica, at World Championships and international games.”Daley’s resilience and perseverance were praised by JPA president Christopher Samuda, who congratulated him for breaking barriers.Samuda said Daley’s success is a shining example of what Jamaicans can achieve in the face of adversity and committed the JPA’s support.“Andre is exploding barriers and giving lessons of becoming who you will yourself to be. The Jamaica Paralympic Association is on a drive to deepen the pool of talent across the disciplines of sport,” Samuda said.“We are investing in talent, but more important than the money we give is the indomitable spirit of our para-athletes to overcome. Money can’t buy that. You can’t purchase or donate that. It’s in the heart, belly, and guts of our sportsmen and women, and this is what I admire and respect.”WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPSWith his first taste of success, Daley now has his eyes set firmly on the world stage, where he hopes to compete in the World Championships come October.“[I am] staying on board firmly, navigating the waters and taming the wind while eyeing the World Championships in Portugal in October.”The Caribbean Inclusive Sailing Championship was spearheaded by Hannah Stodel, para sailing manager at World Sailing.Stodel believes the inaugural Caribbean Championships was a success and believes it is far more than just a competition but a community built on support and togetherness.“We brought 23 people from 10 countries together through para and inclusive sailing,” she said. “That alone is something to be proud of. But what made it powerful was the spirit of the group: the community, the support, the laughter, the learning, and the constant reminder that in para sailing, the possibilities really are limitless.”gregory.bryce@gleanerjm.com