Newport, R.I. (November 20, 2006) – US SAILING, national governing body for the sport, has presented Urban Miyares (San Diego, Calif.) with the Gay S. Lynn Memorial Trophy for his outstanding contribution to disabled sailors and the sport of disabled sailing. Miyares, a blind sailor who has skippered two Transpac races and numerous Newport-Ensenada races, is the founder and CEO of Challenged America, an organization focused on providing free sailing opportunities for children and adults with disabilities. Miyares was presented with the award during an awards banquet at US SAILING’s Annual Meeting in Newport, R.I., last Saturday.

Challenged America’s mission statement is to “enhance the lives of people with disabilities and their loved ones, from around the world, through innovative sailing programs and technology designed to advance their rehabilitation, expand life-experiences, and increase successful mainstream outcomes.” Founded in the late 1970s, the program has over the years helped numerous people with a rehabilitation program that also encourages family members to come out on the water.

In addition to running a successful disabled sailing program, Miyares is an accomplished athlete. While he’s a skipper most of the time, Miyares is also the one who usually does foredeck, primarily because he usually is the only sailor among an all-disabled crew who can walk. His athletic abilities aren’t limited to sailing: in the 1990-1991 season, he was the U.S. Alpine Ski Champion and ranked as the fastest blind skier in the world. Always looking for new challenges, Miyares is hoping to sail singlehandedly around the world one day.

“Urban Miyares has moved far beyond his disabilities,” said Hugh Elliot, Secretary of the Council for Sailors with Disabilities, when presenting the award. “More important than his own personal achievements, Urban has made it possible for many others to do the same by helping them to understand that, while a disability may make life complicated, it does not in any way prohibit dreams and successes in the able-bodied world.”

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