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June 24, 2009 — NETWORKING WITH A DIFFERENCE
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Member Profile
WEST COAST BLIND SPORTS ASSOCIATION
Member since 2009
Individuals of all ages who are blind and visually impaired shy away from the words “physical education, movement, fitness and sport”. Due to past experience, non-involvement, economic disadvantage or failures, people with visual impairments not only frown at the idea, but also many are denied the opportunity to participate fully in sport and fitness programs. Many who have been integrated in general physical situations tend to feel high degrees of failure due to the lack of adaptation of activities. Not having the ability to see where you are running, see when the ball is coming, or see what the instructor is demonstrating can develop emotions of fear and frustration. Whatever the reason, individuals with visual impairments tend to live a sedentary lifestyle.
The lack of sport activity in the lives of the blind and visually impaired denies them the opportunity to live a rich and fruitful life. The West Coast Blind Sports Association (WCBSA) has a goal to help rid the ill feelings towards physical activity. WCBSA recognizes that participation in sport has a positive impact on an individual’s physical and psychological well-being. WCBSA believes sport teaches vital life skills: perseverance, motivation, hard work ethic, goal setting, time management, and builds positive self-esteem; all of which are necessary to thrive in a “sighted world.”
It is the goal of WCBSA to expand avenues of opportunity for the blind and visually impaired to be introduced to, to participate in, and to compete in athletic activities. WCBSA supports athletes in swimming, goalball, powerlifting, track and field, judo, wrestling, tandem cycling, bowling, golf, rock climbing, skiing, and rowing, dragon boat racing, or any physical activity they choose to get involved in.
Each year WCBSA’s project raises funds to support the following:
• Sponsor the Pacific Northwest Sports Camp
• Support the Northwest Swim Meet & Track Meet
• Scholarship funding for athletes of all ages to compete at a local, regional, national, and international level
• Scholarship funding for athletes to pursue athletic training and purchase equipment
• Advisory and advocate for all blind sports
