British Columbia Blind Sports and Recreation Association

News and Content

Insight - The Newsletter for the Membership of BC Blind Sports
December 2004 Issue Volume 10 Issue 11

Table of Contents

Season's Greeting
Message from the President
Open House
Office Hours during the Holidays
Fundraising Opportunities
XII Paralympic Games 2004
Dragon Boating
Goalball
Golf
Ice Hockey
Lawn Bowling
BC Disability Games
Community Recreational Initiative Society
Curling
Calendar of Events
Avon Cruise and Tours
Board of Directors
Sport Commissioners
Staff
Insight Contact info

The December issue is also available as an Adobe pdf. To download a copy, click here.

Season's Greetings From
BC Blind Sports and Recreation Association

You are cordially invited to
Our 2004 Holiday Open House
Tuesday, December 14, 2004 – 2:00pm - 7:00pm
Please RSVP by December 7, 2004 to
Kristy at 604-325-8638 or info@bcblindsports.bc.ca

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

It has been a very busy and exciting summer for BC Blind Sports and Recreation highlighted by the performance of our athletes at the Athens Paralympics. Congratulations to all of our athletes who participated in the Games. I hope our members had the opportunity to catch some of the coverage on CBC. Several of our athletes were highlighted during their coverage.

We also hosted the Canadian Blind Sports National Lawn Bowls Championships at the West Point Grey Lawn Bowls Club and many of our members have qualified for the World Championships scheduled for South Africa next April. Congratulations! Thanks to
our volunteers and staff that made the event the success it was.

Tami Grenon, Member at Large on the Board of Directors for BC Blind Sport was recently elected to the Board of Directors of BC Disability Sports.

As most of you know, Canadian Blind Sports Association (CBSA) is now sharing our office and Jane is temporarily acting as their Executive Director. CBSA is going through a difficult period and, as this organization is important to our elite athletes, BC Blind Sports is attempting to help. We hope to be part of, CBSA strengthening its position and being able to reestablish itself.

Now it is time to look to the future. The Executive, Board and Commissioners are planning meetings in the near future to begin plans for next year. Input from our members is important. If you have ideas or concerns contact your Sport Commissioner or the office. Help us to plan for success.

OPEN HOUSE
Please come and join the Board, and Staff in our annual Open House. We have a lot to celebrate, as it has been an exciting year for us. Our athletes have experienced success in events that range from walking programs to the Athens Paralympics. We have also moved our office this year. For those of you who may not know yet we are now located in the on the 3rd floor of the CNIB building in Vancouver. For security reasons the elevator is locked at all times. Please see reception and someone there will let us know you want BC Blind Sports and we will come down to greet you.

Our Open House will be on Tuesday December 14th from 2pm to 7pm so come out and join in the fun and celebrate the holiday season.
For those of you who are not available to attend, drop us an email or call us, and send your greetings in and we will be sure to pass them on to everyone.

OFFICE HOURS DURING THE HOLIDAYS
Please note that the office will close on December 24, 2004 and reopen on January 4, 2005. We wish all of you a wonderful holiday season and a Happy New Year!!!!!!

FUNDRAISING OPPORTUNITIES

You can support BC Blind Sports by taking a discounted cruise for your next vacation.

With this promotion, Avion Cruise & Tours will donate $40.00 per person based on double occupancy. Also Carnival Cruises will match an additional $40.00 to us when you or some one you know books a 7 Day Western Caribbean Cruise on the Carnival Valor or a 7 Day Glacier Bay Cruise aboard the Carnival Spirit.
You will find enclosed near the back two full pages of this exciting offer including itinerary and cost. If you wish to contact Avion Cruise & Tours they can be reached at 604-278-2511 or by email avioncruise@yahoo.com

Xll PARALYMPIC GAMES 2004

The 2004 Athens Paralympic Games were held in September. BC Blind Sports had a number of representatives on the Canadian team. The Canadian Team placed third overall at these games, confirming Canada's role as a leading nation in providing competitive opportunities for athletes with a physical or sensory disability.

Our BC members were part of the Athletics, Swimming, and Cycling Teams at the Games. Athletics competitors included Dustin Walsh (400m) and his guide Blair Miller, Courtney Knight (Discus) and Don Steen (Athletics Coach). Donovan Tildesley and tapper Hugh Tildesley, Walter Wu, and Brian Hill all represented Swimming. Tandem Cycling competitors were Brian Cowie with pilot Murray Solem and Shawn Marsolais with Pilot Lisa Sweeney and alternate pilot Clair Cameron. The competition results for all are on the BC Blind Sports Website.
Dustin and Shawn were making their first trip to the Paralympic Games. The success of all is noteworthy considering the high level of competition at these Games.

Congratulations to Ljiljana Ljubisic on her re-election in Athens as chairperson of the International Paralympic Committee Athletes Council.

DRAGON BOATING

The end of September marks the end of another successful season of dragon boat racing. There were a number of challenges for the Vancouver team this year, not the least of which was the addition of a new type of dragon boat to the Alcan Festival's fleet. The Gemini dragon boat originates from Poland. It is lighter and smaller, both in length and width, than its predecessor, the six-sixteen dragon boat our paddlers are so used to. The smaller confines and unstableness of these new boats took some getting used to, but was overcome in the end with great results.
As well, because of a reduction in the number of interested paddlers this past year, both blind and sighted, it was necessary to disband Blind Fury, the second Vancouver-based team. The remaining blind and visually impaired paddlers were incorporated into Eye of the Dragon and everyone pulled together to become a strong, committed team.

The Vancouver-based Eye of the Dragon began the season in mid- February, with twice a week practices and over the course of the season participated in the False Creek Spring Regatta, the Alcan Festival Regatta, the Alcan Festival, the Victoria Festival and the Kelowna Festival. Kelowna's Sonar Dragons had a later start to their practice season and participated in the Alcan Festival and the Kelowna Festival.

Despite the setbacks, the 2004 season was a great one! Eye of the Dragon's results exceeded last year's outcomes and everyone's expectations. For the first time in its eleven years of racing at Vancouver's Alcan Festival, Eye of the Dragon was ranked among the competitive teams, finishing 6th in the Competitive C Championship race (or 22nd among the 153 mixed teams). Way to go team! Sonar Dragons from Kelowna also competed in the Alcan Festival Races in Vancouver, finishing third in the Recreational D Consolation race (99th among the 153 mixed teams).
Both teams worked very hard this past season and have a lot to be proud of. If you are interested in giving dragon boating a try, be in touch with the BC Blind Sports office for more details.
Dianna Johnston Dragon Boating Commission

GOALBALL

GOALBALL IS BACK IN BC!! BC's goalball team has been reestablished after being on hiatus for several years, and is currently practicing hard in preparation for the National Tournament, to be held in Halifax early next year. Last year, with the support of BC Blind Sports, our men's team participated in both regional and national tournaments, where they played competitively against teams from all over the US and Canada. This year, we are pleased to announce that we will also be sending a women's team to compete at these tournaments.

Canadian teams are very competitive at the international level, with our national women's team recently winning gold and the national men's team placing fourth, at the Paralympics in Athens.

For those readers unfamiliar with the sport, Goalball was created in 1946 to help with the rehabilitation of War veterans who were blinded. Since then, the game has grown in popularity internationally, with competitive teams in many regions of the world including Europe, North America and Asia. Goalball has been a Paralympic sport since 1976.

The most distinguishing feature about goalball is that all players are blindfolded to block all visual perception even light. This means that all players whether blind, partially sighted, or fully sighted have their level of vision equalized. The game is played in a gymnasium on a 9m X 18m rectangular court specially marked with tactile tape for orientation.

The ball used is slightly larger than a basketball and has a bell in it so that, it can be heard by the players. Each team has three players on the court at one time and there are usually two or three as spares or substitutes when necessary, who try to defend their net, which extends along the entire width of the court. It is a fast paced game where each team takes turns shooting and then receiving the ball. One member of the team roles the ball across the court while the opposing team moves quickly to stop the ball from crossing their goal line. Both strategy and speed are essential, since the shots are often very fast and curve balls definitely keep you on your toes.

It's an excellent cardio workout for all players.

Our players come from all walks of life and all age groups, and include both women and men. No previous experience is needed to play. While we currently have sufficient numbers to field full teams, there is still room on our rosters for additional players, as well as for volunteers to assist with coaching and refereeing, so come join us!
If you think you might be interested in giving goalball a try, or for opportunities in the Lower Mainland, Okanagan, or to start a program in your area of the Province contact the office at (604) 325-8638.
Myriam and Ken Spencer
Goalball Commission

GOLF

It was another very active year for the BC golfers.

This year started early when three BC golfers and their guides, Doug Stoutley / Bob Stebbings, Bill Hamilton / Lloyd Hamilton and Bob Comba / Barb Comba, traveled to Melbourne, Australia for the Victorian State and World Championships. Bill met with early success winning low net B3 honors at the Victorian State Championships. Doug finished second low gross in the B3 Worlds. Bob finished tied for sixthin a mixed class Stapleford competition held in conjunction with the World Championships.

In July, two members of BC Blind Sports traveled to Winnipeg for the Western Canadian Blind Golf Championships. Doug took second place and Bill finished fourth in the B3 category.

In August, BC Blind Sports hosted a provincial tournament at UBC, replacing the Disability Games competition. Bill, Doug, Shane McCreery and Georgina Shaw took part. We hope to attract a larger field in the future.

In September Bob Comba headed a very active committee and hosted the Canadian Open in Westbank. Forty golfers including entries from six other countries participated in a rain shortened 27-hole tournament. The tournament was the finest Canadian Open we have held and compared favorably with any international tournament. Congratulations to Bob, Barb and the tournament committee. Special thanks, to Laurie McClare, the tournament chairman.

BC Blind Sports golfers finished as follows

B1
Bob Comba
4th low gross 4th low net

B3
Doug Stoutley
4th low gross 5th low net

B3
Bill Hamilton
6th low gross T3rd low net

Following the Canadian Open, the Pacific Coast Blind Golf Association hosted an event in Kelowna.

Next year looks almost as busy for our golfers. BC Disability Games will be in Nanaimo July 13 to 17 the following week Port Alberni will host the Western Canadian Blind Golf Association's annual tournament, which, may be the qualifying tournament for Canadians planning to apply to participate in the 2006 World Championships in Japan.

There are a number of other international events, which may attract some of our golfers.

July 3-6 British Blind Open, Belfast Ire.
April 20-22 Heather Farr Leader Dog Classic
Fort Wayne, Indiana.
Sept/Oct Lions Club International U.S. Open
Raleigh, North Carolina, USA

Golf Commission

ICE HOCKEY

To all you hockey fans we invite you to come out and join us to learn, play, and enjoy the sport of ice hockey. Our hockey program is in full swing, on Friday from 12:00pm to 1:00pm. This program will run until the end of March 2005. The team practices are at Riley Park Community Center located at 30th and Ontario in Vancouver.

The team is looking for blind, visually impaired and sighted players. Whether you're a beginner or have a great deal of experience we'd like to have you come out and join us in the fun of skating and getting into the spirit of hockey. For more informationcontact us at 604 325-8638.
Hockey Commission

LAWN BOWLING

It has been an interesting year for the visually impaired lawn bowling team. Although we experienced a few set backs, over all, the year turned out well.

This season there were two Regional play downs held, Nanaimo and Richmond. In Nanaimo there was a full slate of bowlers from the Lower Mainland and Kelowna. We were able to play one game and then the skies opened up and we were rained out. However there was lots of fun and everyone enjoyed themselves. Richmond also did a fabulous job. Both events were successful. It was exciting to have returning bowlers out and new comers.

This year's Provincial Lawn Bowl Championships were held in Nanaimo. There was representation from all over the Province and excellent competition by all bowlers. Thanks to Donn Sherry and the host club Nanaimo for all their help and hard work, we had an excellent tournament. This year's National Lawn Bowls Championships were held at the West Point Grey Lawn Bowling Club. We had five provinces attend with a total of 32 bowlers. Competition was exciting and this event was the qualifier for the 2005 World Championships being held in South Africa, in April.

We are please to say that the following seven bowlers / directors have made the National team. B1 Randy Fred / Stan Dalzell, B2 Shirley Cole / Madeleine Sherry, B2 Ed McMillan / Donn Sherry, Al Hanet / Vi Hanet B3 Iris Ferguson / Mary Dalzell B3 Barb Peroni / Sheila Jackson B3 Howard Cordick / John Owen. All results for the Provincials and Nationals can be found on the web page.
Congratulations to all who participated

Thanks again to the volunteers and clubs in Richmond, Nanaimo and West Point Grey for their support in hosting the www.bcblindsports.bc.ca tournaments.

On behalf of the bowlers, thanks also to the program volunteers and staff.

Lawn Bowls Commission

BC DISABILITY GAMES

The 2005 BC Disability Games will be hosted by Nanaimo!!! There will be opportunities to participate in sports such as Athletics, Goalball, Lawn Bowling, Swimming, and Tandem Cycling. Please contact the Blind Sports office for additional information on the games or watch for our next newsletter.

OTHER SPORTS

COMMUNITY RECREATIONAL INITIATIVE SOCIETY
The Community Recreational Initiative Society (c.r.i.s.) was formed two years ago. The prime purpose of the organization is to provide recreational opportunities to persons with a disability. Activities that are available include kayaking, hiking and tandem cycling.
BC Blind Sports has joined together with c.r.i.s. To organize a tandem cycling program. Participants enjoyed weekly rides through different areas of Kelowna. The c.r.i.s. Organization wishes to thank BC Blind Sports for the use of their tandem bikes.
We invite all members of BC Blind Sports to join in next year's activities. Call (250) 979-3941 for further information.

CURLING

Hey all you curling enthusiasts!!!!
The West Coast Blind Curling Association needs your participation this winter at one of their seven curling clubs throughout the province. Most clubs meet once a week. We have an annual provincial curling play down with two teams representing BC at the Western Canadian Championships.
This year the provincials are in Nanaimo and the Westerns in Alberta. Just contact the club in your area for more details. Don't miss out on all the fun.

This year the provincials are in Nanaimo and the Westerns in Alberta. Just contact the club in your area for more details. Don't miss out on all the fun.

Chilliwack, Mike Walters
604 823-4132,
Mike_Walters@telus.net

Kamloops, Jay Barlow
250 554-1484
jayb800@shaw.ca

Kelowna, Sandy Neddow
250 858-1468
lneddow@shaw.ca

SI Nanaimo, Dale Ledding
250 752-0189
ledding@shaw.ca

Prince George, Terry Pipkey
250 562-1892
ciploeq@shaw.ca

Vancouver, Nick Lutz
604 430-5558

Victoria, Hanna Leavitt
250 744-1519
hleavitt@shaw.ca

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Please note there will be a full calendar of events in the next issue of the Newsletter.

Avon Cruise and Tours
7 day Glacier Bay Cruise aboard the Carnival Spirit



7 Day Western Caribbean Cruise
Bahamas Ship: Carnival Valor
Date: 3-10 APR 2005

Itinerary

Support BC Blind Sport and Recreation Association, treat your self to a discounted cruise holiday to the Western Caribbean. For more info call BC Blind Sport (604) 325-8638. For Reservation call Santos at Avion Cruise at (604) 278-2511 or e-mail: avioncruise@yahoo.com
Your cruise vacation includes: all your meals & snacks, fun onboard activities, Las Vegas shows, exciting ports of call, and so much more.

All rates are cruise only per person in CAD, based on double occupancy, including port charges of CAD $187.00. A deposit of $100.00 per guest at the time of booking is required, the balance payable no later than 90 days prior to departure date. Triple & quadruple are available on request only. A deposit of $400.00 pp is required upon confirmation. All reservations are subject to the terms and conditions as published current Carnival Fleet brochure. Based on availability at time of booking and capacity controlled.
Ship's Registry: Panama &.Bahamas.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Doug Stoutley - President
Tom Ollis - Vice President
Frank Reynolds - Treasurer
Brian Cowie - Athletes Rep
Al Hanet - Chair, Sport Commissioners
Larry Walsh - Chair, Regional Reps
Tami Grenon - Director at Large
Bruce Gilmour - Director at Large
Elaine Todd - Director at Large

SPORTS COMMISSIONERS
Don Steen - Athletics
Diana Johnson - Dragon Boating
Doug Ripley - Goalball
William (Bill) Hamilton - Golf
Brian Cowie - Hockey
Al Hanet - Lawn Bowling
Patrick - Showdown
Hugh Tildesley - Swimming
Brian Cowie - Tandem Cycling
Brian Cowie - Triathlon

STAFF
Jane D. Blaine - Executive Director
David Chung - Finance Manager
Mike Lonergan - Program Director
Susan Flanagan - Member Services
Kristy Kassie - Office Coordinator

InSight is published by the BC Blind Sports & Recreation Association

Address correspondence to:
BC BLIND SPORTS AND RECREATION ASSOCIATION
330 - 5055 Joyce Street, Vancouver, BC, V5R 6B2
Phone: (604) 325-8638
or Toll Free: 0-604-325-8638 (then press 7617 after the tone)
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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