David Pescud OAM is to be inducted into the NSW Hall of Champions, honoured for a career spent prising open the sport of sailing to people with disabilities across Australia.
The announcement comes from Sport NSW, which recognised Pescud's commitment to inclusion and accessibility in sailing, including his pioneering work creating opportunities for people with disabilities to experience the sport's particular freedoms.
Pescud founded the Making Waves Foundation, formerly known as Sailors with disAbilities, and skippered the first boat crewed entirely by people with disabilities in the 1994 Sydney to Hobart yacht race.
His crews have since won their division twice in the Boxing Day Classic. They also still hold the World Sailing Speed Record for the fastest circumnavigation of Australia by a monohull yacht, a mark set aboard KAZ in July 2003.
In 2023, Pescud received the Medal of the Order of Australia for service to people with disability.
Malcolm Page OAM, CEO of Australian Sailing, marked the occasion.
"David's contribution to sailing extends far beyond the water, making a meaningful difference in the lives of people living with disability," Page said. "His dedication to making sailing accessible to everyone is helping create a more inclusive sport, where everyone has the opportunity to experience the freedom and enjoyment of sailing."
"On behalf of Australian Sailing we thank him for his significant contribution to our sport and congratulate him on his induction into the NSW Hall of Champions."
Pescud is being inducted this year alongside Stephen Davies (hockey), Jennifer Luff (rowing), Rick McCosker OAM (cricket) and Kathleen Shannon-Bazzano (cycling).
NSW Sport Hall of Champions Committee Chair Alan Whelpton AO said the five inductees were worthy additions. "Each are recognised for their outstanding sports careers which saw them represent their country, state, sport, and themselves with distinction," he said, adding that their contribution to sport "goes beyond the field of play" and shows the next generation of athletes "the pathway to unleashing their potential and enjoy success at the highest levels."
Sport NSW Chief Executive Ellie Laing-Southwood paid tribute to the inductees, saying they "exemplify the hallmarks of being a sports champion" and "have served their sport and the wider sports community with honour and distinction."
Hall of Champions inductees are approved by the Minister for Sport following recommendations from the Hall of Champions Selection Committee and NSW peak sporting bodies. The NSW Hall of Champions is located at the Quaycentre, Sydney Olympic Park.
