Nigist Sewnnet was born Addis Ababa, Ethiopia and grew up amongst four brothers, five cousins and loving parents, aunts and uncles. After high school, Nigist learned the art of dressmaking and became an entrepreneur with her own small business. In 1988, she moved to Sienna, Italy to learn languages and the history of modern art, then on to Rome where she studied computer programming in Italian. After almost five years in Italy, Nigist came to Canada to be with her brother and experience the opportunities our country has to offer. October 27, 1992 is the date she’ll never forget. “I had heard so much about the cold weather I covered every inch of skin in clothing and then couldn’t breathe!”
Within 8 months of arriving in Canada, Nigist underwent spinal surgery as a result of the polio she contracted at the age of 4. She ended up using a wheelchair but continued on to Centennial College, where she took a computer programming course. Nigist graduated to take a job in that field, in which she still works.
It was after recovering from the surgery that Nigist experienced her first boat ride with friends. “That moment changed my life completely,” she exclaims with emotion. “I finally found my passion in life.”
Nigist had the opportunity to learn to sail through the Disabled Sailing Association of Ontario, a volunteer-run organization that provides people living with disabilities a reprieve from their physical burdens in a boat called the Martin 16, specially-designed so that it can be sailed independently, whether someone is mildly or severely disabled. Leaving her wheelchair behind at the dock, and being mobile without it, was a completely thrilling, inspirational and liberating experience for Nigist.
Nigist now dreams of joining the Canadian Team as a competitive sailor in the Paralympics, an opportunity to represent her beloved adopted country, and inspire Canadians everywhere. Most significantly, Nigist is the ONLY female Canadian sailing in training to qualify in the 2.4 mR class boat in the 2008 Paralympics.
How does that feel?
“Awesome”, she says.