British Columbia Blind Sports and Recreation Association

News and Content

November 2003
Insight - The Newsletter for the Membership of BC Blind Sports Volume 9 , Issue 9

Table of Contents
Message from the President
Staff Changes  
25th Annual Milk Run   
23rd Annual Run for Light - Vancouver 
2nd Run for Light -  Nanaimo 
BC Disability Games - Kelowna 
IBSA World Championships and Games Quebec 2003
Athletics 
Dragon Boating 
Goalball Season has Begun!
Golf 
Hockey 
Lawn Bowling  
Swimming 
Tandem Cycling  
Triathlon 
Athlete Profile - Ryan Ollis   
Volunteer Appreciation  
Condolences 
In the News : Congratulation to Donn Sherry!  
BCADB Christmas Book Fair
Audiobook Fundraiser 
Guide Dog Information 
Advocates for Sight Impaired Consumers 
Festive Season Open House
Calendar of Events
BC Blind Sports and Recreation Association: 2003-2004 Board of Directors and Sport Commissioners
BCBSRA Staff:

Holiday greetings to all!

To all of our members, volunteers,and supporters. We wish you a wonderful festive season, and all of our very best to you and yours for 2004. From the board of Directors and staff of the British Columbia Blind Sports and Recreation Association.

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

The major event since our last newsletter was, undoubtedly, the International Blind Sports Federation World Championships and Games in Quebec City (Quebec 2003). I had the privilege of serving as Chef de Mission for team Canada, which provided me the opportunity to meet and work with the elite of Canada's athletes who are blind and visually impaired in six sports. As a golfer, most of my experience has been with older competitors. I especially enjoy watching some of our younger members in competition.

I would like to extend my congratulations to all the athletes of Team Canada, especially the strong contingent from British Columbia. Overall, Canada finished second to Spain in medals won. We can expect a strong showing by Canada in the upcoming Paralympics in Athens next September. In addition to the competitive success of the Games I truly believe far more was accomplished in Quebec City. The profile of blind sports in the Canadian sports scene was greatly enhanced. The connection between blind sports and the five participating National Sports Organizations was renewed and redefined.

The recognition of CBSA and its provincial affiliates as the experts in the field of blindness by the federal government (Sport Canada) is something we should all be proud of. All of these factors should provide our organizations a foundation from which we can improve the position of blind sports in Canada.

BC was also well represented at Quebec 2003 at the coaching, officiating, administrative and organizational levels. Our volunteers and staff filled many key positions at the games. Space prohibits me from naming all those involved but special mention must go to Gary Steeves, BCBSRA past Vice President and the current president of Canadian Blind Sports Association (CBSA). Gary was key to the success of the games. Gary was greatly assisted by our Executive Director Jane Blaine. Without Jane's experience and hard work the Games could never have been the success they proved to be. Susan and Mike came to Quebec City and worked with the Quebec 2003 organizing committee. Their assistance was invaluable, they had the opportunity to strengthen contacts on a national and international level and I am sure the experience was a learning experience for both. We were glad they could participate. Thanks to our BCBSRA staff (Mike, Susan, David and the summer students) for keeping the organization running smoothly during this busy time.

The BC Disability Games in Kelowna were also a great success. This event provides the opportunity for our developing athletes and athletes participating in non Paralympic Sports to compete. Our congratulations to the organizing committee and the hundreds of volunteers for their efforts to make these games a memorable experience. We look forward to seeing you all again in Coquitlam in 2004. Now it is time to move ahead and plan for next year and the years to come. I look forward to working with the new Commissioners, Board of Directors and Executive Committee as we meet the upcoming challenges. Doug Stoutley President, BCBSRA

STAFF CHANGES
For those of you who may not know yet, Mymy has left BC Blind Sports to pursue other opportunities. We wish Mymy success in her future goals and we will miss her. For the interim, Shawn Marsolais is filling in as Office Coordinator.

SUMMER STUDENTS Most of you know Emily Nicholson and Kris Swanson, as they were our summer students for the past two summers. They worked with many of our members at the BC Disability Games, the CNIB Bowen Island summer camps and at the Sports days held throughout the Province. Kris and Emily have both returned to University. Good luck to both of you.

25th ANNUAL MILK RUN
BC SCHOOL SPORTS and its member schools show terrific school spirit and support by participating in the 25th Anniversary of the BC DAIRY FOUNDATION MILK RUN. This 3 Kilometer event is a province wide participatory run, walk, wheel, or blade. It generates terrific school spirit and raises money for designated BC Charities supporting physical activity programs for children and youth in BC. This year, the CNIB and BC Blind Sports have partnered up as a charity group to receive funding for the Bowen Island camps for children & youth who are blind or visually impaired. The funds raised will be used to purchase new equipment and other related items that are necessary to make the Summer Camps a success.

23rd ANNUAL RUN FOR LIGHT VANCOUVER
Run for Light was a huge success as was demonstrated by the large crowd of excited participants in Stanley Park. The Run would not be the continued success that it is without the support of our dedicated volunteers. We thank you for your time, positive energy and expertise. We look forward to having everyone back next year to celebrate our 24th Run For Light as we continue to show case our organization and promote our members to the community.

2nd RUN FOR LIGHT - NANAIMO
As evidence that run for Light is growing, we are pleased to have had the 2nd Run For Light in Nanaimo. We congratulate our members in the Nanaimo and surrounding areas for their hard work in promoting the event, collecting prizes and making the run a huge success.

BC DISABILITY GAMES KELOWNA
Congratulations to all athletes who competed at these Games. There were participants in Athletics, Goalball, Golf, Lawn Bowling, Swimming, and Tandem Cycling. Along with the opportunity to compete, participants also enjoyed the great food, accommodation, and hot sunny weather. We would like to take this opportunity to thank Dr. Jeff Chambers (Kelowna) and Dr. Sanmugasunderan, known as Dr. Suren (Vancouver) for giving up their valuable time and expertise to classify our athletes to ensure fair play for all. We look forward to seeing everybody at next years BC Disability Games in Coquitlam.

IBSA WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS AND GAMES QUEBEC 2003
These were the 2nd IBSA World Games and the largest ever event in sport for athletes who are Blind / visually impaired. There were sixty-seven countries with approximately 1000 athletes and 500 coaches, officials, support staff, and volunteers participating. The six sports represented were Athletics (track and field), goalball, Judo, Power-lifting, Swimming, and Tandem Cycling. There were several World Records broken and many athletes qualified for the 2004 paralympic Games in Athens. Canada finished second overall with 35 medals, 20 gold, 5 silver, and 10 bronze. BC had athletes competing in Athletics, Judo, Swimming and Tandem Cycling. You should all be proud of your performances. Special congratulations to BC's medal winners: Swimmers Donovan Tildesley and Brian Hill, Tandem Cyclist Shawn Marsolais and her pilot Lisa Sweeney, and Athletics athletes Courtney Knight and Jason Delesalle!

ATHLETICS
The highlight for BC Blind Sports' Athletics Team was the IBSA World Championships in Quebec in August. BC's team, consisting of Dustin Walsh, Courtney Knight, Jason Delesalle, and Ljiljiana Ljubisic, brought home 2 silver and 2 bronze medals. Courtney led the way placing 2nd in pentathlon, 2nd in discus, and 3rd in shot put, in the combined B2/B3 category. Jason won a bronze medal in discus and Ljiljiana placed fifth in Discus in the combined B1, B2, B3 category. Dustin Walsh impressed everybody with an excellent performance at his first International competition. He placed 11th out of 29 in the 200 m and qualified for the A Final in the 400 m. This means that Dustin has made the Athens B Standard and is currently ranked top 4 in the World. Congratulations to BC Blind Sports' Athletics Team.

DRAGON BOATING
This past year has been a great one for dragon boating, particularly for Eye of the Dragon, having completed ten paddling seasons in 2003. Eye of the Dragon celebrated this milestone in high fashion taking silver medals at the Vancouver Dragon Boat Festival, gold medals in Victoria, bronze medals at the inaugural Taiwanese Dragon Boat festival (featuring flag catching races for the first time in Canada), and gold again in Kelowna (in the Diamond Division no less! only one Division below the top). The team worked very hard this past season and has a lot to be proud of. Blind Fury also had a great season paddling in the four major races, which took place in Vancouver (2), Victoria and Kelowna, as well as in a number of smaller regattas. This year, they made significant improvements with respect to team building and overall improvement in technique and race times. Great things are expected from this team in the years to come! Sonar Dragons, the Kelowna-based team, paddled their hearts out in Victoria and in Kelowna where they beat out Blind Fury for a bronze medal in the Pearl A Division. The Vancouver-based teams are into their winter paddling sessions now, which are geared to maintaining a minimal level of paddling until the regular season kicks into high gear again in mid to late February. These sessions are the perfect opportunity for new paddlers to get to know the sport, as they are not as intense as regular practices, so if you are interested in giving dragon boating a try, be in touch with the BCBS office for more details. Submitted by Dianna Johnston Dragon Boat Commissioner

GOALBALL SEASON HAS BEGUN!
Are you blind or visually impaired, looking for a physically challenging sport where all members are on an equal playing field? Why not come and check out goalball on Thursday and Friday evenings at Maywood Elementary School in Burnaby? Players of all ages and abilities practice from 6:00 9:00 PM on Thursdays and 6:00 7:45 PM on Fridays and always welcome new athletes. Goalball is a sport like no other you have heard of. All players wear blindfolds and must rely on their senses of touch and hearing to excel at this sport. The ball contains bells, and there is tape on the floor to assist with orientation around the court. Players wear protective padding and dive on the floor to defend the ball. Currently we have male and female players ranging in age from 17-50 something. Our goals for the year are to compete in some tournaments including the Western Goalball Conference and the National Championships, and to have a lot of fun. If this sounds like something you would be interested in, please contact the office for details. Feel free to come out and watch before you decide whether to play or not. We are also looking for volunteers to help with refereeing, time keeping, and coaching. We look forward to seeing you there! For details on where goalball is being played in other regions of the Province, please contact BC Blind Sports at: 604-325-8638.

GOLF
BC Golfers have had a busy season, beginning with the Pacific Coast Blind Golf Association's 5th Provincial Golf Championship. Winners were: Bill Hamilton (B3), Bruce Rupp (B2), and Bob Comba (B1). Following that competition was the BC Disability Games in Kelowna. Medal winners: B3 Class were: Doug Stoutley - Gold, Bill Hamilton - Silver, Eric Fazan - Bronze, B2 Class: Bruce Rupp - Gold, and B1 Class: Bob Comba - Gold. Next up for the Golfers was the Western Canadian Blind Golf Championships in Coldale Alberta. Doug Stoutley, Bill Hamilton, Hector Findlay, Bruce Rupp, Eric Fazan, and Bob Comba attended this competition. Congratulations to Bill Hamilton for placing third. Only one month later was the United States Blind Golf Association Open in Portland Oregon, which was attended by Doug Stoutley & Bob Comba. Congratulations to all the golfers! If you are interested in getting involved with the golf program, contact the Blind Sports office.

HOCKEY
Well it's that time again; the players on The Vancouver Blind Hockey Team have laced up their skates and are ready for the new season. Any Blind Sports member who would like to participate is welcome. Whether your learning to skate, learning the rules of hockey, or returning as a pro, we would love to have you out to play. The team practices at Riley Park Community Centre, located at 30th and Ontario in Vancouver. Practices take place from 12:00pm until 1:00pm and will run until March 27th 2004. If you require some assistance getting there, one of the team members would be happy to meet you at a Skytrain station or familiar spot, as long as arrangements are made in advance. For more information contact Rob Camozzi at (604) 936-6544.

LAWN BOWLING
This year for the first time Kamloops McCarthur Park hosted a Lawn bowling Competition for the Visually Impaired. Both BC and Alberta participants enjoyed excellent competition, great food and lots of fun. We were happy to have bowlers compete from the West Coast and Salmon Arm as well as Kelowna. Bowlers also had opportunities to enhance their skills at the Regional Programs held in various cities around the province. These Regional Programs would not have been the success they were without the hard work and commitment of the coordinators and volunteers. Another successful competition was the Provincials in Kelowna where six medal winners were selected to attend the BC Alberta competition in Calgary. This event was held in lieu of the Nationals. Highlights included competition, comradery, and a fantastic Barbecue. Submitted by Al Hanet. Bowls Commissioner

SWIMMING
Swimmers Donovan Tildesley and Brian Hill came home with an impressive amount of hardware from the IBSA World Championships in Quebec this past summer. In total, Donovan (B1) won six gold medals and had four best times. The most amazing was his performance in the 800 m where he smashed the World Record by nearly three minutes. Brian (B3) cleaned up with his one silver and seven gold medals. He also broke the World Record in the 800 freestyle. Congratulations to you both! We look forward to watching you represent Canada in Athens next year.

TANDEM CYCLING
There were two days of tandem cycling racing in Kelowna at the BC Disability Games. Juniors competed in a 10 km Time Trial and 15 km Road Race. Seniors competed in a 10 km Time Trial and a 15 or 30 km Road Race. Junior Mark Staaf finished the 10 km Time Trial with a time of 18:30, which meant a gold medal. The silver medal went to Karen Prudhomme who finished with a time of 20:46. The Junior Road Race resulted in 1st place Karen Prudhomme, 2nd place Mark Staaf, and 3rd place Max Dickeson. Results for the Senior 10km Time Trial were as follows: 1st place Richard Boehm with a time of 17:08, 2nd place Frank Costello with a time of 18:31, and 3rd place Ryan Jopling with a time of 20:30. Senior Ryan Jopling finished 1st in the 15km Road Race. Senior Frank Costello won gold in the 30km Road Race with Richard Boehm a close second. In August, three tandem teams from BC traveled to Quebec City to compete in the 2003 IBSA World Championships and Games. Shawn Marsolais and her pilot Lisa Sweeney, while competing in their first international event, came away with the bronze medal in the road race. Gene Della Siega and his pilot Murray Solem and Brian Cowie and pilot Ken Johnson had top ten finishes. In September 2003 Brian Cowie and pilot Murray Solem (a replacement for Ken Johnson who had been injured in a crash) and Shawn Marsolais and pilot Lisa Sweeny went to Prague in the Czech Republic to compete in the IPC European Cycling Championships. While never having ridden together before, Brian and Murray had some very impressive results, finishing 9th in the Pursuit, 8th in the Kilo and 11th in the road race. Shawn and Lisa also did very well finishing 5th in the Road Race, 7th in the Time Trial and other top 10 finishes against very stiff competition on the Track.

TRIATHALON
In July, Brian Cowie and pilot Ian Nelson competed in the Canadian National Triathlon Championships held in Edmonton Alberta. The weather was perfect and the course was excellent. Brian and Ian finished 1st in the AWAD category and qualified for both 2003 ITU World Championships in Queenstown New Zealand in December and the 2004 ITU World Triathlon Championships to be held in Madeira, Portugal in May of next year.

ATHLETE PROFILE RYAN OLLIS
Ryan Ollis began running in High School when it became difficult to participate in the programs offered to most students. These programs were not accessible to Ryan because he is deaf/blind (B3 who is totally deaf). Ryan was inspired to train when the High School Track & Field coach told him that he might have the potential to someday compete at the Paralympics. He has found support through the Norwesters Track & Field Club and BC Blind Sports. Through competing at the Disability Games, Ryan has enjoyed the opportunity to compete with other athletes who are deaf/blind. One of the challenges Ryan describes is communication. He has been successful in breaking down this barrier by using body language, writing, and using an Interpreter. He has also had numerous falls, the most recent of which resulted in a broken ankle. Nevertheless, he remains positive and believes that these set backs make him a stronger person. Ryan has many interests outside of running. He currently is enrolled in a diploma program at Douglas College, he works part time, and is very involved with the deaf/blind community. Ryan is looking forward to returning to his training in pursuit of his dreams of representing Canada at the Paralympics. He also wants to show the deaf/blind community that: "People who are deaf/blind have the ability to be independent and can do whatever we set our minds to".

VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION
Throughout the year, athletes who are blind/visually impaired or deaf-blind are involved in a wide variety of sports and recreational activities and competitions. Some of these activities and competitions would not be possible without the support of volunteers in the form of: sport guides, tappers, cycling pilots, guide runners, coaches, referees, etc. In many cases, the presence of these volunteers is essential during the hours of practice and training leading up to the competition as well as during the competition. Not only are volunteers vital to the development of athletes, they are also essential for the success of Run for Light. This event requires volunteers to light the night time course, sell T-shirts, operate the registration table, run with participants who are blind or visually impaired, and anything else that needs doing. Finally, we are very grateful for the support of those volunteers who are behind the scenes; Sport Commissioners, Board of Directors, and office support. Without the dedication and commitment that all of these individuals give, the organization would not be the continued success that it is. Volunteer Canada says "The value of one, the power of many". We want each of you to know that you are valued and appreciated and we look forward to your continued support over the next year and beyond.

CONDOLENCES
It is with great sadness to hear of the passing of Sam Bowman. Sam was born in Saskatchewan in 1922 and died October 15, 2003 at the age of 81. Sam was involved with BC Blind Sports as a director and marker for Lawn Bowling for many years. The members and staff at Blind Sports send our condolences to the family and close friends of Sam Bowman.

IN THE NEWS : CONGRATULATIONS TO DONN SHERRY!
In September 2003, Donn Sherry was presented with the Medal of Merit Award, the second highest recognition that Bowls Canada presents. Donn has been a member of the Nanaimo Lawn Bowling Club since 1985. He began working with Visually Impaired Bowlers in 1986 and began traveling internationally with Blind Bowlers in 1989. Donn has coached bowlers across Canada and has held the chair of the BC and Canadian Blind Sports Lawn Bowls commission. Locally, Donn has been coaching new bowlers for several years and has served as coaching chair at both the club and zone levels. Donn has served as president of the Nanaimo Lawn Bowling Club. He qualified as an umpire at least 5 years ago and has since examined umpires and provided numerous coaching and development workshops. He has conducted seminars for Skips, Thirds, Leads and Seconds in Nanaimo, Courtenay, Powell River and Parksville. He was also the Sports Director for the BC Summer Games in 1985 and the BC Disabled Games in 1986, both of which were held in Nanaimo.
In 1999 Donn received the Volunteer Award from Bowls BC. and in 2000 he received the President's Award from BC Blind Sports.
Each year Donn has signed up close to 50 people for lessons. He has encouraged club members to qualify as coaches, and this year 6 members did so.
Donn never misses the opportunity of talking over the fence with any visitors or observers with a suggestion that they come in and try it. As a result, lessons in groups of 2 to 4 may continue throughout the bowling season. Through his efforts and the support of many club coaches and members, over 300 people have been introduced to lawn bowling in Nanaimo.

BCADB CHRISTMAS CRAFT FAIR
The BC Association of the Deaf-Blind is hosting the 13th annual Christmas Craft Fair on November 21, 2003 from 2pm to 7pm and November 22, 2003 from 10am To 3pm. The Fair will take place at the CNIB at 5055 Joyce Street, Vancouver (Across from Joyce Street SkyTrain station). The cost is$2.00 admission for door prizes. There will be Craft sales, refreshments, a bake sale, and prizes. For more information contact: Noella Walkey at 604-874-6876 TTY/Fax or by Email:  n_walkey@telus.net .

AUDIOBOOK FUNDRAISER
Do you love the music of the swing era -- the Big Bands such as Glen Miller, Tommy Dorsey, Lawrence Welk, Guy Lombardo? Come to the Bell Centre For the Performing Arts at 6250 - 144th Street, Surrey, on November 22 at 2 pm, and have a fun time reliving the Big Band era with Ron Rutherford's 17-piece orchestra and two vocalists, Karen Kelm and Lach Duncan. Cost for adults is $20, and under 15 $10. Tickets are available at 604 507-6355. All proceeds of the concert go to the Vancouver production of audiobooks. The more tickets sold the more audio books that can be produced. For more information, please contact Jacqui Bishop at 604 224-0368.

GUIDE DOG INFORMATION
Are you interested in learning more about using a guide dog as an option towards enhanced mobility? If so, you may want to get in touch with Rob Sleath, the recently appointed BC Graduate Agency Representative of Guide Dogs for the Blind Inc. (GDB). Rob is an experienced graduate of GDB's San Rafael campus, and is now working with his second guide, Lombardi, a Golden retriever. Rob and Lombardi are available to share the program and services offered by Guide Dogs for the Blind, with any British Columbian who is blind or visually impaired. Those considering the enhanced mobility afforded through the acquisition of a Guide Dog may be interested in learning, guides are made available through the generosity of private donors, which allows GDB to cover the cost of transportation, room and board, all equipment and, of course, a highly trained and skilled guide dog for its handler at no charge to the applicant. Rob will be pleased to discuss the class and training experiences as well as the personal choice and the increased confidence and independence a Guide Dog has made in his life. He can be reached directly at 604-241-7499 or toll free at 1-800-295-4050. BC Blind Sports does not support, endorse, or recommend any guide dog school. GDB is only one of several schools that provide guide dogs and training free of charge to the applicant. If you would like information on other schools contact your Orientation & Mobility Instructor.

ADVOCATES FOR SIGHT IMPAIRED CONSUMERS
At the June meeting of the ASIC Board, our directors participated in a Lengthy discussion and analysis of several accomplishments by other disabled communities. These included successes such as the 90% closed-captioning content within television broadcasts, which is now available to those viewers who are totally deaf or hearing-impaired. We also recognized the fact nearly every intersection in several major cities or towns across North America are equipped with curb cuts/ramps to accommodate persons who use a mobility aid such as a wheelchair or scooter. These are but just two examples from a short list to which we're sure you could add several more.

The objective of our discussion was two fold:
1. To critique the reasons for the "all-too-often" minimal response by members of the sight-impaired community on issues that could easily be overcome with a more united and powerful voice; and
2. To develop a strategic plan, including methodology whereby we could motivate and engage community support for various initiatives with a minimal request for time and effort on the part of the members of the sight-impaired community we serve.
While it is not the perfect solution, ASIC's E-mail Communication Network was developed to address the outreach side of the communication problem that exists for people who are blind or visually impaired. Our efforts to engage the community in vocalizing its support of our initiatives have presented many challenges. Nonetheless, following several months of planning, we are launching a solution which will enable every member of the sight-impaired community, including support workers, rehabilitation teachers, O&M instructors, volunteers, friends and family, to add their collective voices to fortify and enhance ASIC's spectrum of initiatives. Doing so will only serve to help all of us to help ourselves in achieving improve independent and equal access. We plan to efficiently deliver requests for community support directly into your in-tray. These requests will require very minimal time and effort to add your support to a growing and fortified voice, which will stand united. We will do this through a pre-developed, powerful yet personal response to the targeted decision-maker, which will take you just a minute or two, maybe five if you are a novice computer user. There are currently approximately 750 subscribers from across Canada who subscribe to our communication network. Imagine if you will, the message we transmit and the impact on a government official or corporate executive receiving 750 plus letters of support requesting a change, which will benefit those of us affected by a vision loss. A landslide of such requests can move mountains! Add to this the many staff and volunteers who are engaged in the field of blindness, our friends, family and list-serves to which you subscribe. We have developed a strategic plan, which will include all of them as well. A motivational speaker by the name of Hans Burger is quoted as saying, "If you always do what you've always done, you'll always get what you've always got." We recently learned that a minister with a provincial government stated his government rarely heard from "the blind", therefore they concluded services were adequate and therefore "the Blind" must all be happy with what our government is doing. Clearly it is time we united and created one unified and powerful voice for transit officials, traffic engineers, government officials, corporate executives and other decision-makers to recognize we are a united community, not to be ignored! If you would like to add your voice in support of making a very real and positive change on several initiatives, send an Email to: asic@telus.net   and request to be added to the list. Watch your in-trays closely as requests for your added support will follow in the days and weeks ahead. If you do not have access to Email and wish to support our initiative, please call 604-241-7499.

FESTIVE SEASON: OPEN HOUSE
The Board and Staff of BC Blind Sports & Recreation Association would like to invite you to join us for our annual OPEN HOUSE on December 16, 2003 from 2:00 PM 6:00 PM. Refreshments and goodies will be served. Please RSVP by Wednesday December 10 if you plan to attend. If you do not live in the Lower Mainland and/or are unable to attend, we invite you to call toll free: 0 (604) 325-8638 (After the tone dial 7617) or Email at: info@bcblindsports.bc.ca .


CALENDAR OF EVENTS 2003/2004

December
6 World Triathlon Championships, New Zealand
2 - 10 IPC Pan Am Games, Argentina
16 BCBSRA Christmas Open House, Burnaby

January
5 - 7 Getting in Touch with Literacy Conference, Vancouver

February
21 - 22 Western Goalball Conference, Saskatoon

April
2 - 4 Goalball Nationals, Saskatoon
15 - 16 Victorian Blind Golf Assoc. Championships, Australia
20 - 21 World Championships for Blind and Vision Impaired Golfers, Melbourne Australia
28 - May 2 Defi Sportif, Montreal

May
6 World Triathlon Championships, Madeira, Portugal
28 24th Annual Run for Light, Vancouver

June
TBA Cycling Road Championships, TBA

July
TBA Cycling Track Championships, Victoria
TBA Pacific Coast Blind Golf Championship
Lower Mainland
7 - 11 BC Disability Games, Coquitlam, BC
15 - 18 BC Summer Games, Abbotsford
25 26 Western Canadian Blind Golf Association Winnipeg, Manitoba

September
15 Canadian Blind Golf Association Championships, Kelowna, BC
17 28 Paralympic Games, Athens Greece
TBA 3rd Annual Run for Light, Nanaimo, BC


BC Blind Sports and Recreation Association
2003-2004 Board of Directors and
Sport Commissioners

BOARD OF DIRECTORS:
Doug Stoutley President
Tom Ollis Vice President
Frank Reynolds Treasurer
Brian Cowie Athletes Rep
Al Hanet Chair, Commissioners
Larry Walsh Chair, Regional Reps
Tami Grenon Member at Large
Bruce Gilmour Member at Large

SPORT COMMISSIONERS:
Athletics Don Steen
Dragon Boating Dianna Johnston
Goalball Doug Ripley
Golf William Hamilton
Hockey Brian Cowie
Judo - Shelly Morton
Lawn Bowling Al Hanet
Showdown Patrick York
Swimming Hugh Tildesley
Tandem Cycling Brian Cowie
Triathlon Brian Cowie
Wrestling Shelly Morton

BCBSRA Staff:
Jane Blaine Executive Director
Mike Lonergan Program Director
Susan Flanagan Coordinator of Membership Services
David Chung Financial Manager
Shawn Marsolais (Acting) Office Coordinator

InSight is published by the BC Blind Sports & Recreation Association
Address correspondence to:
BC Blind Sports and recreation Association
235 - 5000 Kingsway, Burnaby, BC, V5H 4V7
Phone: (604) 325-8638
or Toll Free: (604) 321-1638
Fax: (604) 325-1638
Email: info@bcblindsports.bc.ca
Website: http://www.bcblindsports.bc.ca  

Note: Information in this newsletter is intended for general guidance only. Readers are advised to speak with BC Blind Sports staff for more information and with a physician before changing any exercise, diet or other health practices.

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