OLYMPIC-BOUND national sailor Andrew Lewis is keen on inspire persons with his documentary - featuring his near-fatal accident in Brazil last December.
The five-and-a-half minutes long documentary was launched yesterday morning at Digicel IMAX in Woodbrook and it was a virtual step-by-step narrative of Lewis’ accident to his current state.
In the film, which was produced by Marcus G (Gomez) Productions, it showed CCTV (Closed Circuit Television) footage of Lewis’ fall off a wall surrounding the apartment in Brazil where he was staying while training.
An emotional Lewis explained he was returning to the apartment with his training partner from the Netherlands and the girlfriend of the training partner, but had forgotten the house keys in the apartment. Being the smaller of the athletes, Lewis volunteered to climb over the premises to retrieve the keys.
After getting a “boost” from his training partner, Lewis scaled the wall which had a decorative cap.
While perched on top, he decided not to jump to the other side because of the height but held on to the cap to lower himself to the ground. Unfortunately, the cap came loose, sending the TT sailor sprawling to the floor and the cap falling directly on him.
Lewis sustained serious damages to his left leg, left ribs, left lungs and his face.
In the documentary, Lewis gives a narrative of his recovery process, both in Brazil and in Trinidad, and he admitted that he lost over 30 pounds since he was unable to eat - he also suffered a broken jaw, so he was forced to consume everything in liquid form.
Reflecting on the documentary, the 26-year-old said, “I feel relieved and, at the same time, it’s a blessing to be able to show this to the public. I’m truly blessed that I’m able to inspire people nowadays to what has happened to me.” Lewis added, “what I call it is ‘taking a negative and turning it into a positive’. (Today’s) launch was very special for me and I look forward to sharing it with the public, and making something good.” Asked what message is he trying to send to the public via the documentary, Lewis responded, “I’m trying to inspire, not only athletes, but every human being.
Yes I’m an Olympic athlete but it was more about getting back to my feet and living life. So that is what I want to share with the general public.
“And, at the same time, I’m going to use this as a fund-raiser to raise money for the Andrew Lewis Foundation. I’ll also like to generate funds to help with education in sport.” Concerning his physical state, Lewis said, “it’s the best I’ve felt since my accident. I feel like I’m back on track. I feel like I’m living again, like (how) I want to.
I’m truly grateful for life.” Sports Minister Darryl Smith, who attended the function, pointed out, “his life was at stake.
For him standing here next to us, going to the Olympics and going to perform at his best, is remarkable.” Smith noted that Lewis will be returning to Brazil to participate in a few training camps, ahead of the Rio Olympic Games in August.
Among the dignitaries in attendance were Sports Company of Trinidad and Tobago (SPORTT ) chairman Michael Phillips, Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee (TTO C) president Brian Lewis and officials from Atlantic LNG.