REDLAND Bay sailor Warren Hawkins was a finalist at the Australian Yachting Awards in Sydney this month.
Warren, 40, was selected as one of the four finalists for the 2008 Sailor of the Year with a Disability Award.
The recognition comes after a strong performance at the Access Dinghy National Titles in Canberra in March.
The intellectually disabled sailor won the Special Olympic Gold Medal in the 3rd Division and finished fourth overall in a category that also included able-bodied competitors.
Sailability Bayside president Bob Jackson congratulated Warren on his achievements.
“Warren is a valued member of Sailability, a team of volunteers who help people with disabilities enjoy a sailing experience and enhance and develop their sailing skills,” he said.
Warren won a silver medal at the Special Olympics in
Shanghai last year.