Guiding the next wave: Jovin Tan gives back as a para sailing coach

Jovin at home on the open waters.

For some, the sea is a vast horizon into the unknown. For others, it’s a quiet refuge. For Jovin, it’s home.

Growing up with cerebral palsy meant Jovin couldn’t join familiar games like catching or basketball with his childhood peers. He often found himself watching from the sidelines and feeling as though the world’s possibilities were always just out of reach.

Charting a new course

At 15, Jovin joined the Singapore Disability Sports Council’s Learn to Sail programme. As a teenager who had rarely been given the chance to test his limits, the thought of attempting sailing filled him with trepidation.

‘I was all by myself. I felt worried. What if something happened to me when I’m sailing? I can’t swim,’ he recalls.

But the moment he was out on the water, those worries ebbed away. At sea, his disability no longer defined him. In its place, he found a new sense of freedom.

Passion anchors purpose

Sailing wasn’t just a sport he took part in; it was one he excelled in. He allowed his passion for the sport to guide and motivate him throughout his journey. By staying consistent, disciplined and willing to keep learning, he continued to grow and improve without losing the joy of sailing.

‘Focus on enjoying the sport instead of worrying about being good at it. When you enjoy it, that becomes your biggest motivation,’ he says.

With this mindset propelling him forward, Jovin rose to become a four-time Paralympian and clinched two gold medals at the Asian Para Games (2014) and ASEAN Para Games (2015).

When the tide turned

After the 2016 Rio Games, sailing was removed from the Paralympics. Jovin could no longer compete, but his passion for the sport never left him.

‘I still enjoy going to the sailing club, I still enjoy the sea, the breeze,’ he reflects.

This was the moment he decided to become a coach for the Learn to Sail programme. He wanted to return to where it all began and help others feel the confidence and possibility he felt at fifteen.

Jovin (left) guides a group of students on the water.

However, no one with a disability had previously applied for a Powered Pleasure Craft Driving Licence, so the process required a special review by the authorities. Despite this additional hurdle, Jovin persevered with his application and successfully became accredited as a coach. He now mentors new coaches, coordinates volunteers and caregivers, and fosters an environment where learning, enjoyment, and inclusivity are central.

Building an inclusive sailing community

Every Sunday, Jovin heads to Changi Sailing Club to teach a group of eager learners. The programme has evolved from being competition-centric to more community-focused.

 ‘The idea is to make the programme more fun and inclusive, rather than simply sailing to compete,’ he shares.

Remembering what it felt like to be left out, Jovin is committed to creating an inclusive experience for all. He adapts each lesson to the diverse needs of participants, ensuring no one feels sidelined.

Each lesson is thoughtfully tailored to match the students’ needs and interests.

To him, the programme goes beyond sailing; it is also about responsibility, teamwork, problem-solving and independence. He also decided to involve caregivers as sailing buddies to not only strengthen trust and safety, but also extend the learning beyond the sea and into the home.

Calmer waters ahead

Jovin never let his disability define his limits. His journey from a nervous 15-year-old on his first sail to a respected athlete and pioneering para sailing coach is testament to that.

Jovin was awarded the Coach (Community) of the Year at the Singapore Disability Sports Awards 2025.

His dedication was recognised when he was awarded the Coach (Community) of the Year award at the Singapore Disability Sports Awards 2025. Through every chapter, he has never journeyed alone; he was guided by his mentor, and supported by the Singapore Disability Sports Council (SDSC) and volunteers who share his commitment to inclusion.

‘I hope that in the near future, more people will know about disability sports, as well as the range of competitions available for us to compete in,’ says Jovin. He also hopes more people will join him in creating a more inclusive sporting landscape for Singapore, whether by supporting our para-athletes or volunteering their time in the sector.

After all he says, ‘It takes a team of passionate people coming together to make this a success.’

Find out more about the Disability Sports Master Plan and the initiatives driving a more inclusive sporting ecosystem for all.