World Cerebral Palsy Day 2022: Japan Para Sailor Nayuta Yamato opens up on life transforming sport

14 days to go: Japan welcomes global athletes to Para Sailing World Championships in Hiroshima

The Championship holds a special place in the heart of Japan Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, who sees this major event as a perfect opportunity to help create a more diverse, equitable and inclusive society.

At the same time, athletes from across Japan are looking forward to welcoming global Para Sailors to their shores, while raising awareness of the importance of Para Sailing for people living with a wide range of disabilities.

In this exclusive World Sailing interview with 31-year-old Nayuta Yamato from the Abinokai club in Hiroshima on World Cerebral Palsy Day, we explore why sailing offers people living with different types of cerebral palsy the ultimate buzz.

What advice do you have for someone with cerebral palsy thinking about sailing?

There are 1.2 billion people in our world with disabilities representing 15% of the global population.

And there are more than 17 million people living with cerebral palsy with its impact ranging from a weakness in one hand, to almost a complete lack of voluntary movement. My one message today: no matter how much your cerebral palsy affects your movement, I am living proof that you can participate in sailing in any way you want.

You can have fun, but you can also race. It is all possible!

How did you get into sailing?

I always wanted to try sports while watching my brother – who is just one year younger than me – enjoy so many different pursuits.

It was difficult for me to find the right one because I needed care in all aspects of my life due to my cerebral palsy. Then I found sailing in senior year of high school – I’ve never looked back.

My first experience was amazing. I had never experienced being on the ocean before. On land my body was always tense, but when I sailed for the first time I felt so relaxed – I could feel the ocean immediately, the waves and the sea breeze. It made me feel alive.

Sailing immediately gave me the confidence to do many things – I went to university soon after I started sailing, where I performed in plays on stage and visited the United States on a study program: this courage I definitely got from sailing.

What does it mean for you to be competing in the Para World Sailing Championship?

I want many people to know that there is this special sport – sailing – that can be enjoyed by people with severe disabilities like me.

Which class do you sail?

I sail in the Hansa. I don’t have the freedom to move my own body as I want, or sit still, so I have a hammock-like seat and can attach many kinds of adaptations.

It’s been very simple to organise. I also have a chair with a backrest to help me maintain posture.

What is the best thing that has ever happened to you in sailing? 

I had never dreamed that my disability would allow me to experience racing, but the first time I entered a race I thought: “I want to win!”

I remember crying a lot because I was so disappointed when I lost. I never thought I was strong-minded enough to cry out of frustration!

I have learned so much from the sea and the people who support me, giving me the strength to move forward and live a more fulfilling life.

I can’t wait for the Para World Championships in Hiroshima to begin!