It was winter when I first arrived in Canada – many years ago now. I remember wondering what people did to stay active in this land of ice and snow. Then I watched a competitive figure skating show on TV. I was enthralled. The skaters were so graceful as they glided around the ice. I knew that this was going to be my new sport.
The next day, I headed out to a sports store and bought a brand new pair of skates. I could hardly wait to get to the community ice rink to strut my stuff. My friends watched with barely hidden amusement as I stepped out onto the ice, and then they burst out with laughter as I instantly fell onto my derriere. This was certainly not going to be as easy as the professionals I had watched on TV. I spent the next hour or so clinging to the wooden boards on the sides of the rink as I clumsily made my way around the edge of the outdoor rink.
I learned a lot about sports that day. Although I did try out my skates a few more times, I never came close to becoming even mildly proficient. What was needed I decided was a bit of natural talent or ability, an enjoyment of the sport, and practice. I was both unwilling and unable to meet any of these requirements.
As well as the above, a blind athlete should also consider the practicality of location or perhaps some form of assistance. For instance, a blind golfer might need a ride to the golf course or a blind lawn bowler might need a sighted guide to explain distance to the jack.
With blind sports, there are other additional restrictions. While blind and visually challenged athletes can be found in many, many sports, there are some that are a no go. For instance, race-car driving is out of the question. Playing squash would be almost impossible.
Since becoming partially sighted, I have stayed active but have become more realistic in which sports I choose. For instance, I no longer play tennis, but I thoroughly enjoy my time at the local swimming pool. I will never become a professional athlete but I am full of admiration for those athletes who pursue their chosen sport. Either I know, or know of, visually challenged athletes who climb mountains, downhill ski, play golf, wrestle, ride a tandem bike, are part of a dragon boating team, or part of a Goal Ball team. BTW – Goal Ball is a team sport designed especially for players who are blind.
I have been prompted to write all this
following a day last week, when Lyle, our daughter and granddaughter went on a
long bike ride together. We don’t own a tandem bike and since I don’t feel safe
on a bike alone I didn’t go. I felt quite nostalgic as I watched the three of
them ride off down the street. However, I captured the moment in the picture
that follows.
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| The family going on a bike ride |
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