Kelowna hosts 2017 RE/MAX Mobility Cup, Sept 11-15

RE/MAX 2017 Mobility Cup

The 2017 RE/MAX Mobility Cup has 33 registrants so far for this first time sailing event for Kelowna. Hosted by the Disabled Sailing Association of BC - Okanagan Branch (DSA) and located at the Kelowna Yacht Club, the 26th annual Mobility Cup event organizers are getting ready for top racers coming from across North America September 11-15.

Held in many of Canada’s largest cities from Halifax to Vancouver for the past 25 years, this is the first Mobility Cup in the Okanagan. The Disabled Sailing Association’s Okanagan Branch has a strong history in growing disabled sailing in the Okanagan and has been integral in bringing the races to Kelowna for 2017. DSA has been offering sailing sessions since 1993 and run programs 5 days a week with 5 sailboats and certified instructors from May to September. They have been operating out of the Kelowna Yacht Club marina since 2009.

The 2017 RE/MAX Mobility Cup committee is very grateful for the Title Sponsorship from RE/MAX, Kelowna who came aboard right at the start and whose generous sponsorship makes this event possible. Elton Ash - Regional Executive Vice President, RE/MAX of Western Canada, is a huge support to the sport of sailing in the Okanagan and RE/MAX has made a big impact in bringing international sailing regattas to Kelowna. “As Canada’s leading real estate organization we are very proud to be a part of the Mobility Cup. We believe strongly that everyone, regardless of ability or disability, should feel the exhilaration and pride that can be gained when participating in an all-inclusive sport such as sailing,” says Elton Ash

This will be Kelowna Yacht Club’s 4th International Sailing Regatta since 2007 and the Kelowna Yacht Club has proven to be a great venue for world-class events. “The sponsorship of the Disabled Sailing Association of Kelowna is a valued part of the Kelowna Yacht Club. Not only are their boats in our basin in a prominent location, but also several fundraising opportunities are combined with regular club events. While having some of the disabled members participating in the regular club racing program is commendable, to have their own regatta is the ultimate high. Not all of their sailors want to race, but it’s an achievement the group can be proud of. The Kelowna Yacht Club is, therefore, proud to be a sponsor of this year’s national regatta located at our Club and hope that everyone’s experience with us in Kelowna will be a positive one,” says Henry Harlos, Commodore, Kelowna Yacht Club.

The Mobility Cup was started in Vancouver by Sam Sullivan, founder of the Disabled Sailing Association of BC. Since its inception in 1991, the legacy of the Mobility Cup regatta remains a vehicle for initiating new programs or supporting existing ones. The committee volunteers and staff who are organizing the 2017 RE/MAX Mobility Cup are keeping in mind the Mobility Cup’s purpose and principles:

  • To act as a catalyst to strengthen organizations that do exist for sailors of all levels of disability.
  • To support the creation of inclusive programs for sailors of all levels of disability as part of a global initiative to ensure that people of all levels of disability have a sport and recreation in which they can participate with dignity.
  • To strive for the twin objectives of high quality competition and inclusiveness.”

"Attending the Mobility Cup in Victoria in 2015, as a volunteer was such a great experience. Now as Co-Chair of the Mobility Cup 2017 here in Kelowna, with our group of fantastic volunteers, I’m looking forward to making this Regatta an enjoyable event for the all the participants,” says Larry Clark.

The Canadian designed and built Martin 16 is a boat that allows racers with physical disabilities to leave their wheelchair or other mobility device and go sailing. It was designed by a team of people lead by Don Martin to be easily adapted for all kinds of abilities. The Martin 16 boats are shipped courtesy of CN Rail from across North America to each Mobility Cup.

With 16 Gold boats registered and 17 Silver boats registered the 2017 RE/MAX Mobility Cup is going to be a dynamic event with a week packed with races and evening activities. Out of the 33 registrants, 6 U.S. racers are coming from California, 1 from Vermont and 6 provinces are represented by Canadian racers who are booked from St. Johns Newfoundland to Victoria and many cities in between.

"Having been to 5 Mobility Cups from Montreal to Victoria, I know what a wonderful regatta this can be. We are very excited to bring this event to our community and share the experience with people here. Not only do we have racers coming from all over North America but we have volunteers coming from far-flung places as well," says Tracy Delorme, Co-Chair - 2017 RE/MAX Mobility Cup committee.