NEWSLETTER | July 2015

Blind Sports Australia

July 2015

Promotion, Participation & Advocacy of Sports for the Australian Blind Community IN THIS ISSUE

A Message from the CEO A Message from the CEO Page 1

In May Blind Sports A big thank you must go to Rob Apps Meet Your Board Member Australia sent a team for the help as Chef de Mission, and Member Database to the 5th IBSA World attending classification and team Page 2

Games in Seoul Korea events for the whole team. It was a In Sight of Dreams to compete in really big job – thank you so much Member Updates: Blind Sports & and Tenpin Bowling. The team Rob. Recreation Vic Blind Sporting Association of NSW competed with great sportsmanship Blind Sports Australia has also been Page 3 and was enjoyed but the team and working with members to establish supporters who travelled. Sporting Wheelies & Disabled Association what initiatives and projects are Hall of Fame Scholarship &Mentoring being undertaken over the next year. Program On behalf of Blind Sports Australia I This information has been used in the Page 4 congratulate the whole team on a very BSA budgeting process and I will be in Morning Tea in Moreland touch with members shortly to successful tournament. Page 5 communicate how BSA will be The Tenpin bowling team had a very supporting both members and blind Association of SA Blind Sporting Clubs good tournament with the following sports in general this next financial Expression of Interest, Goalball Coach results: year. Page 6

. Gold Medal – Marilyn Luck WA Blind Sports Federation (Female all events – B1) Two initiatives that to put in your Australian Blind Bowlers Association . Silver Medal – Marilyn Luck diaries are: Blind Sports SA Vision Challenge (Female Singles – B1) . a blind football development day Blind . Bronze Medal – Kinsley Williams to be held in Melbourne in Page 7 (Male all events – B3) August for representatives of the Blind Australia . Bronze Medal – Kinsley Williams various blind football groups Blind Sports NSW Gala Day (Male Singles – B3) throughout Australia to come Page 8 . Bronze Medal – Marilyn Luck and together to share ideas of how to Rhian Patching (Mixed Doubles – develop the sport nationally and Goalball Australia B1+B2/B3) Page 9 internationally . Bronze Medal – Marilyn Luck, . a sports development forum for Blind & Vision Impaired Tenpin Bowling Justin Bettes, Kinsley Williams, member organisations in Other news – Blind Archery Rhian Patching (Mixed quartets) Melbourne the weekend of the Closure of the Nican Office 24th – 25th October for member Page 10 The Goalball team also competed organisations to come together Blind Sporting Council really well with the Women’s team to discuss how to develop blind New Sport Awards launched placing fourth and are a real chance to sports collegiately in Australia. Page 11 qualify for the Rio Paralympic Each member organisation will Games. The Men’s team fought hard be invited to have a BSA Board Members & Member and learned a lot. representative at that weekend Organisations Page 12 forum.

PAGE 1 BLIND SPORTS AUSTRALIA NEWSLETTER | July 2015

This year BSA is again conducting a Board. With strong leadership and sports – it’s easier than ‘Scratch and Win’ promotion stakeholder management skills Voula fundraising – it just requires the nationally. We ask everyone to is able to work with the new Board to information in the database. support this campaign and if you see 2. Corporate sponsorship: The BSA develop stronger relationships with sellers in shopping centres please go Board is working towards and talk to them as this assist building our key stakeholders for the benefit approaching Corporate Sponsors their understanding of blind sports, of all BSA members. She has a natural which will ultimately benefit our helps motivate them, and also please motivation to improve business member organisations through support the campaign by buying a pin models, lead teams and make a the provision of additional or key ring, and receive your free difference through consistently high funding. In order to successfully scratch card. team engagement and productivity. gain corporate support however, we need to be able to provide Welcome Voula! In October I will be attending the potential sponsors information Blind Citizens Australia national about BSA – how many members conference in Perth to deliver a we have, general demographical speech titled ‘Sport – the challenges Member information such as banded age for the blind and vision impaired’. I groups and state they live in, how will also be aiming to have a meeting Database many different sports they play with all blind sporting organisations etc. in Western Australia after this As previously advised, it is a conference. I would encourage all requirement of all National Sporting Stephen Barnes, CEO of BSA, will be blind sports to attend this meeting. Organisations, such as Blind Sport the only person with full access to the David Blyth, Chair of Blind Sports Australia, to have a database of its database (member organisations will Australia and Gary Sargent BSA Board members. In our case, BSA therefore be able to access their members in member will also be in Perth for the requires details of members the database if they wish to). meeting. registered with our Member Organisations. Information will not be passed on or Lastly, I would like to thank BSA Board used for marketing purpose. The member Melissa Martin for putting The funding we receive from the information will not even be passed together this newsletter. Australian Sports Commission (which onto the ASC – they may want generic we pass on to our member information about sports but not full Stephen Barnes, CEO organisations) and our accreditation information or access to the as a National Sporting Organisation is ceo @ blindsportsasustralia.com.au database. at risk if we do not have a completed database. It is up to each member organisation to ensure that ALL their members Meet Voula Kent Dredge has been asked to AND volunteers (Directors, Pilots, manage this process on our Caddies etc) are in the database. Karantzas behalf. As a member organisation, you can however, put the Thank you to all Member information directly into the Organisations who have sent through One of our database if you would prefer. details thus far. Phase One of the new Board entry will have been completed at the Apart from the requirements above time of publication of this newsletter. Members the database has two other major Please continue to send your details Voula Karantzas is benefits for BSA and its members. through to Ken Dredge so that we can another of the four new Directors ensure we have a thorough database. 1. Insurance: having accurate who joined the BSA Board in member information, whereby December last year. Voula brings a we do not double count people strong background in logistics supply that may be part of several sports Blind Sports Australia chain, procurement and project or organisations, will reduce our A Foundation Member of the management. She has a broad range public liability insurance & Australian Paralympic Committee of experience in industry, consulting personal indemnity insurance dramatically. This financial A.B.N. 68 008 621 252 and volunteer organisations, which saving will result in money that adds great value to her role on the can be invested back into our PAGE 2 BLIND SPORTS AUSTRALIA NEWSLETTER | July 2015

I commend Ben Felton for this He is 100% committed in helping

In Sight of wonderful organisation, and someone who has never completed a congratulate the In Sight of Dreams marathon to achieve their goal.

Dreams Foundation for the dream that they Call us on 9822 8876 or email info @ have to provide opportunity for blindsports.org.au for further The In Sight of Dreams Foundation people with disability. information. st was launched in Sydney on the 1 June 2015. Below is a transcript of a speech Victorian Disability Sector Awards Fiona Scott, MP for Lindsay and Board The 2015 Victorian Disability Sector Member of The In Sight of Dreams Awards celebrate the achievements Foundation, made in Parliament of individuals, teams, organisations regarding the Foundation. We and businesses assisting people with congratulate all those involved in the a disability to achieve their personal launch of this fantastic Foundation. goals.

I rise today to announce that on the Blind Sports & Recreation Victoria are Monday, 1 June, the In Sight of proud to announce we have been Dreams Foundation came to life. This What have our nominated as a finalist in the is a wonderful charity that was the ‘Excellence in Improving Participation brainchild of local man Ben Felten. It Members been Award’. was begun with the noble aim of providing people with a disability up to? The Awards Ceremony will be held on with hope, inspiration, mentoring 21 July at Federation Square. and life skills. I commend the vision Blind Sports & of the board, which includes: Stephen The Awards are a joint initiative Barnes; Pamela Habek, who today Recreation Victoria between National Disability Services becomes an Australian citizen; Kevin and the Department of Health & Would you like to run a Marathon? Magee; Nadia Kentera; Leo Felten; Human Services. Blind Sports & Recreation Victoria and, of course, Ben Felten. I would By Susan, Blind Sports Victoria have a volunteer who lives is the also like to acknowledge the work of Richard Glover and Stephen Toomey, Caulfield area and is keen to who have done so much work on a volunteer his time to assist a blind or Blind Sporting pro bono basis. vision impaired runner to complete a Association of NSW marathon. If you like to run, are Ben Felten is an exceptional local committed and have always wanted Multi-Sports Gala Day man. He was born with a to compete in a marathon, give us a Blind Sports NSW held its 3rd Multi degenerative eye disease, and has call and we can put you in contact Sports Gala Day this year and had 17 dedicated his life to helping people with him. attendees from Sydney Metro and 1 with a disability. By his late twenties, from Newcastle attend the 3 sport Ben was fully blind. Ben represented This potential volunteer has been day being Cricket, Tennis and Soccer Australia in and cricket, and running for over 30 years, and has in and around the Enfield— set up the Nepean Blind Sports Club. completed 2 iron man competitions, Strathfield area of Sydney. At the moment, Ben has his heart set 3 Comrades Ultra Marathons, 91 full on setting the world speed record on marathons (which includes running Blind Cricket was the first sport at a motorbike for a blind man. 25 consecutive Melbourne Henley Park next to Vision Australia Currently, he has got his motorbike Marathons), and the highlight of his with new players including some 7 up to 220 kilometres per hour, but he running career, completing the ladies trying blind cricket for the first is after the Guinness Book of Marathon Des Sables. time. Records: Ben Felton is after 268.33 kilometres an hour. After the nets session Blind Cricket

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provided a lunch for all participants member of the Queensland Para- prior to the Vision Australia bus taking Cycling Committee along with a all attendees to Strathfield Sports Club number of current and past for a combined Tennis and Soccer Association members including session lead by Kathy from Royal George Kambouris, Fred Nitz, John Rehab Tennis coaching and Jose who Reeves, Ben Ellen, Chris Scott and runs the Soccer Joey’s program. Darron Shields.

“It’s not just about developing your Both sports are growing into strong Accessible Cycling Program (ACP) at programs and as President I am the Chandler Velodrome in Brisbane. cycling skills in a friendly, supportive extremely excited about where we environment – it’s also about enjoying The ACP is open to all people of all can take both sports in the near a great social opportunity,” said David. ages and abilities. People with physical future. and intellectual disabilities are "Participants are encouraged to bring

encouraged to register and get their own bike - whether it’s a Training and Mini Games occurred on involved in upcoming sessions focused handcycle, tandem cycle or tricycle - the day and skills continued to on developing skills and riding however those without their own bike improve dramatically across all fundamentals. are also encouraged to come along participants. The social aspect to the and find out more about the sport, day also continued to grow and the The first ACP session run by the with some cycles available for new networking strengthen. Thanks again Queensland Para-Cycling Committee participants to use." to all our great volunteers including attracted more than 20 riders and as family and friends of the participants, such another five sessions have been Register your interest by contacting without this support we wouldn’t be scheduled. Emily Rosemond (State Development able to hold such amazing events. Officer, Cycling Queensland) via:

Sporting Wheelies and Disabled emily.rosemond @ cycling.org.au or on Association’s Sport and Recreation (07) 3390 1477. Manager, David Barthomolaeus, is a

THE HALL OF FAME SCHOLARSHIP & MENTORING PROGRAM Following the success of this day, Blind 2016 Scholarship Now Open! Sports NSW are coming up to the "Honouring the Past, Inspiring the Future" Hunter Region to host our first Multi (VALUED AT OVER $10,000) Sports Gala Day on Saturday July 25. A CLOSING DATE: 5pm Monday 20th July, 2015 copy of our flyer can be found further into this newsletter. Australian Junior Athletes (U/21) are invited to apply for The Sport Australia Hall of Fame Murray Elbourn, President Scholarship & Mentoring Program for 2016.

Blind Sports NSW The Sport Australia Hall of Fame’s Vision is to preserve and celebrate the history of

Australian Sport and to excite the next generation of Australians to achieve their potential Sporting Wheelies & both in sport and life. The Scholarship & Mentoring Program is one opportunity to continue achieving our Vision. Disabled Association of QLD To help young Australians achieve at the highest level of their sport, the Scholarship will provide encouragement and funding for 12 months (1 Jan to 31 Dec 2016). More CQ launches Accessible Cycling importantly, Scholarship holders will enjoy unrivalled access to and personal one-on-one Program mentoring from an Inducted Member; a $5000 sporting expenses grant; on stage presentation of the Scholarship at The Sport Australia Hall of Fame Induction & Gala Budding cyclists with a disability are Dinner; and one international return economy flight for sporting use! being encouraged to register and be part of Cycling Queensland’s new Nomination forms can be downloaded from our website: www.sahof.org.au

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BLIND SPORTS AUSTRALIA NEWSLETTER | July 2015

Queensland bowlers impress at Bruce Jones took out silver in the At the end of the championships, five nationals Ladies B2 singles event, edged out by Queenslanders were named in the Queensland Blind Bowlers Association fellow Queenslander June Brittan and Australian team for the IBBA (QBBA) has taken out the Le Mans her director Sue Rowe. Brittan took Championships in South Africa in Shield for the best overall state at the out the award for the best overall 2017: 2015 Australian Blind Bowlers performance by a female bowler at . Joy Forster and director Bruce Association Championships in the championships. Jones (B2) Adelaide (28 April-7 May). . Marion Morrison and director Forster teamed up with Des Dias to win the B2 Mixed Pairs event, joining Beatrice Kassulke (B3) The Queenslanders won 12 gold, 6 . Chris Backstrom and director Tom silver and 3 bronze medals across all other Queensland gold medallists Henry (B3) competition classes from B1 through Marion Morrison (pictured), Christine Henry, Chris Backstrom, John Vance, . Lynn Seymour and director Bob to B4. Dennis Wormald, Jake Fehlberg and Seymour (B4) Commonwealth Games bronze Lynn Seymour. . Dennis Wormald and director medallists Joy Forster and her director Barbara Whitehead (B4)

Bowlers with a vision impairment can compete with the support of their own sighted director who assists them with delivery and orientation and provides them with constant information as to the position of all bowls, according to the clock method.

JDP gives young stars a flying start Twenty-one promising young Queensland athletes with a disability have been named in the 2015 Junior Development Program (JDP) coordinated by Sporting Wheelies and Disabled Association.

The 2015 JDP reflects the spread of sporting talent across Queensland, with representatives from Brisbane, Gold Coast, Toowoomba, Sunshine Coast, Rockhampton, Mackay and Cairns competing in five sports – wheelchair basketball, goalball, boccia, and athletics.

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The athletes range in age from 13- 240 athletes including some of participants can also enter as a team year-old Sarah Wallace (swimming) to Australia’s most successful young of two, with each member taking 18-year-old Corey Lawton (wheelchair Paralympian’s such as Geoff Trappett, turns to wear a blindfold and walk or basketball). Stephen Eaton, Karni Liddell, Rachael run whilst being led by their team- Dodds, Brenden Hall and Rheed mate to around either a 2 or 4km The 2015 program features a new tier McCracken. circuit or really challenge the way you system within the elite Junior see the world over 8km. Development Squad to reflect the Sporting Wheelies Qld currently has 3 There will also be the opportunity to different levels of achievement and athletes with a vision impairment ride a tandem bike (for a small commitment. The Shooting Stars currently in the Junior Development donation) & participate in other vision Squad will support rising stars who Program including:- impaired sports for free! have shown early potential in one or . Katja Dedekind (Brisbane - A copy of the flyer for this event can more sports. Goalball) be found further into this newsletter. . Brendan Young (Brisbane - Sport and Recreation Manager David Goalball) SA Blind Cricket Bartholomaeus said the 21 JDP . Kyra Domrow (Mackay - Athletics) Congratulations to our SA Blind Cricket athletes would benefit from access to team, who in March, became the 2015 a range of support services including For more information about the Junior Blind National Champions! The side nutrition, goal setting, stretching and Development Program, call Sport chased down 195 set by Queensland recovery. Development Coordinator Joe with six balls to spare. Well done to Moynihan on (07) 3253 3333. everyone involved. “One of the things JDP athletes value the most is the opportunity to come to All photos and content is from the SA Blind Tennis our JDP camps, meet other young Sporting Wheelies & Disabled Blind Sports SA are currently people with a disability who have Association website. facilitating a Blind Tennis Program in similar sporting dreams, and learn conjunction with Tennis SA. This how to achieve their best on and off Association of SA Blind program has been well received and is the sporting field,” said due to conclude in early July with Bartholomaeus. Sporting Clubs participants playing Tennis at Memorial Drive Tennis Club – “As well as the performance focus, the Vision Challenge 2015 – Saturday Adelaide’s Iconic Tennis Club. 30th August camp also offers team-building Kent Dredge activities that provide a fun Sports Development Officer atmosphere and encourage athletes Blind Sports SA to develop friendships that provide

great support through their future sporting careers." The Vision Challenge aims to raise Expressions of Interest

awareness of the sporting capabilities Goalball Head Coach “This year, we’re planning one major of vision impaired or blind individuals, camp at Tallebudgera Recreation whilst providing the opportunity for Goalball Australia are currently seeking Centre (5-8 July) rather than the two integration into a mainstream an experienced Head Coach to manage smaller camps we’ve run in the past so sporting opportunity. the Men’s Program. that we can maximise the impact and benefits for the athletes and schedule Participants can enter to run/jog/walk Further details regarding this fantastic around their sport and school either a 2, 4 or 8km circuit within the opportunity can be obtained from Rob commitments.” safe confines of Victoria Park. Crestani, President, Goalball Australia via robcrestani @ dodo.com.au

The JDP started as an annual program In addition this event provides a Applications close 17th July 2015 in 1988 and has supported more than unique team challenge where

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WA Blind Sports Australian Blind The 2015 Australian Blind Bowls National Championships commenced Federation Bowlers Association on 28th April, with players competing across 9 scheduled days within IBSA Blind Football The Australian Blind Bowlers separate vision classification events throughout the tournament. The A group of Blind Football WA Association (ABBA) has been operating for over 30 years and exists to promote Salisbury Bowls Club in South Australia members were recently travelled to the game of lawn bowls through played host to the annual event, Finland to participate in a training National and International providing great facilities, catering, weekend. competition. comradely and magnificent surfaces to play on throughout the championships. Thanks to the Finnish Sports ABBA holds the National With players representing WA, SA, Qld, Association for Persons with Championships every year in NSW and Victoria, competitors were Disabilities and the Football April/May and also provides opportunities for blind bowlers to pitted in Singles, Pairs and Mixed Pairs Association of Finland for making it compete with other countries in competitions, across four separate possible. International Blind Bowlers vision classification divisions. All state Source: Blind Football WA Association (IBBA) Championships representatives fared extremely well in Facebook page every 4 years. the championships and adapted to the Salisbury Bowling Clubs conditions, with many participants medalling in an event across the 9 day tournament.

Immediately following the championships, players had the opportunity to remain in South Australia for a 3 day training event in hope of gaining selection into the National training camp squad. Selected players from the camps will have an extraordinary opportunity to compete in the World Blind Bowls Championships in South Africa 2017.

Congratulations to all participants involved in the National Championships, and big thank you to Tony Scott and Len Obrien for providing updates and results for the event. Source: Adapted from Bowls Victoria Website

Blind Cricket Australia

BCA recently voted in a new Executive Team (below).

. Ray Moxly

chairman @ blindcricket.org.au . Lindsay Heaven

Lindsay.heaven @ blindcricket.org.au . Marco Curralejo

secretary @ blindcricket.org.au

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. Hamish Mackenzie The runner up was David Blyth of and wife Maureen Ellis finally prevailed

treasurer @ blindcricket.org.au Victoria and his caddy Gary McInnes with a net 141 (3 under) but not . Troy King with a great score of 72 points -David is without a few nervous moments!!

troy.king @ blindcricket.org.au a B1. Congratulations to Jeff, a great . Tim Haggis supporter of blind golf.

tim.haggis @ blindcricket.org.au Jenny McCallum of WA, a B2, with her . Mark Eschbank caddy and husband Ian McCallum won

mark.eschbank @ blindcricket.org.au the Ladies Championship with 70 points. Congratulations to all and best of luck in your new positions. A highlight of the event was that two B1's in Glenn Niciejewski and Doug Sloan won the nearest the pins. Blind

The 2015 ISPS HANDA Australian Open Jenny McCallum WA with her caddy Ian The 2015 ISPS HANDA BGA Australian produced a thrilling finish - this event is continued her excellent performance Open played as a stroke event. over the 4 days of golf with nett 142 to After having played in Australian Opens be runner up. for 26 years Jeff Ellis (Vic) and his caddy

Blind Golf Victoria staged the 2015 Victorian Open and the 2015 ISPS HANDA BGA Australian Open at Rosebud Country Club in the week commencing April 13. This is the 25th consecutive year the Vic Open has been staged at Rosebud and the very first time Blind Golf Victoria has hosted the Australian Open.

Without the assistance provided by Rosebud County Club and its members, it is doubtful that BGV could have staged these events. The Blind Golf community is very appreciative of this assistance.

Both events attracted 22 entrants from England, WA, SA, Qld NSW and Vic. The standard of play was excellent and the pace of play good.

The Vic Open is played as a Stableford Event. The 2015 winner was Stephen Mitchell of NSW and his caddy Steven Woolford with 75 points. Stephen is a B3 and a regular player at Wollongong Golf Club.

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David Blyth and his caddy Gary, like points, Jeff 73 points. Rod and his the Men and Women’s Australian Jenny, played very well over all 4 caddy Peter North were awarded the Goalball teams who would be flying to days to finish with net 143, and win the "pink cap" in memory of our late Korea in just under a month. B1 category. esteemed member Darryl Evans (WA).

Gary Sargent and his caddy/wife Eileen Some highlights from the event: won the gross category with a score of 209. Another highlight was that . Rod Mills 44 points on the second Marilyn Mills NSW, a B1, won the day, 8 under his handicap straightest drive on both days. . Graham Coulton's 40 points on the first day, 4 under his handicap The 2016 ISPS HANDA Australian Open . Three players in Rod Mills, Graham will revert to Perth. Coulton and Jeff Ellis all beating their handicaps over the two days . Doug Sloan (Vic) with 35 points on The Australian Women’s Goalball the second day, his best ever score Team, The Aussie Belles, and the in a major event Men’s Goalball Team both competed . Jenny Abela (NSW) winning three at the IBSA World Games in Seoul, of the four nearest the pins over Korea. Prior to the competition both the two days teams were invited to the Chinese . Peter North (Vic) caddying for Rod Goalball Centre of Excellence in Mills for the first time AND winning! Hangzhou for a preparation

. The 'camaraderie" amongst all tournament and training camp. Not 2015 Blind Golf Australia Stableford participants over the two days, and only did this training opportunity set Championships nights! both teams in good stead for the IBSA . The opportunity to remember World Games, but it is a testament to Darryl Evans as a "great bloke". BGA staged our tenth Australian the relationships Goalball Australia is Stableford Championships at Adelaide By Geoff Walsh forging with our Asian neighbours. Shores Golf Club on May 28 and 29. Blind Golf Australia In Korea, the Men’s Goalball Team had Whilst the entries at only 11 were very a tough battle as they were matched disappointing, the event was a success. The 11 entrants came from Qld, NSW, Goalball Australia with higher ranked teams in their pool Vic and SA. games. While the Men did not On the brink of a Paralympic year, progress to the quarter finals, the In an exciting finale, the event was 2015 is shaping up to be a busy time relatively new team gained vital settled on the 36th hole on the Friday. for Goalball Australia. international experience and will use the games to further develop their Graham Coulton (NSW) with 40 points To get the ball rolling, quite literally, defensive and offensive pressure for led from Jeff Ellis (Vic) on 37 points, Bendigo hosted the 3rd annual Aussie future tournaments. Coming off the Rod Mills (NSW) on 35 points, Gary Invitation Cup from April 10th-12th. Sargent (NSW) on 34 points and Rick World Championships last year, the The competition saw 24 competitors Krolik (Vic) on 33 points after the first Aussie Belles made some significant from the Australian Women’s, Men’s round. changes in their game strategy and and Youth programs battle it out for were ready to put it to the test in In accord with our normal practice, the coveted title. In conjunction with Seoul. The changes paid off with the players with the best scores hit off first the competition, Goalball Australia’s girls coming second in the pool, in the second round. After 16 holes, Referee Representative, Warrick missing the top spot by only one goal. Graham and Rod were equal-both Jackes, implemented and guided a didn't score on the 17th hole. So it The winning streak continued with a referee course to help train and came down to the 18th (36th) hole - win against Finland in their quarter improve referees from around the Rod scored 3 points to eventually win final. Unfortunately with limited country. The fierce competition the event by one point from Graham. experience competing at this level, the proved vital in the preparation of both Final scores Rod 79 points, Graham 78 girls lost their semi-final game and

PAGE 9 BLIND SPORTS AUSTRALIA NEWSLETTER | July 2015 bronze medal game. They ended up Our BVIT team had a very successful National Championships for Archery placing a respectable 4th which puts IBSA World Games in Seoul with the were held in April. them in a good position to qualify for following results: The big event was kicked off with a the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games. . Gold Medal – Marilyn Luck ‘Come & Try’ Day followed by the (Female all events – B1) Championships in which there were 5 . Silver Medal – Marilyn Luck blind/vision impaired & 9 para archers (Female Singles – B1) competing from around Australia. . Bronze Medal – Kinsley Williams (Male all events – B3) For more details such as a contact for . Bronze Medal – Kinsley Williams Blind Archery contact Stephen Barnes

via ceo @ blindsportsaustralia.com.au. (Male Singles – B3)

. Bronze Medal – Marilyn Luck and World Para Archery Championships Rhian Patching (Mixed Doubles – Hazel Hockley (Vic) and Dave (NSW), It’s not only the senior players who are B1+B2/B3) two of our blind Archers, have been gaining invaluable international . Bronze Medal – Marilyn Luck, selected to represent Australia in experience but this July the Youth Justin Bettes, Kinsley Williams, vision impaired Archery at the World Girls’ and Boys’ teams will head to Rhian Patching (Mixed quartets) Para Archery Championships in China for a training camp. The teams Germany in August this year. will head to Hangzhou for a week of training with the Chinese Youth We wish Hazel and Dave all the best!

Teams. For many, this will be their first time travelling overseas as part of an Closure of the Nican Australian Team. Office

On a national level, state The following is directly from championships are being held around communications BSA received from the country as teams are being the Executive Director of Nican, selected for the Australian Goalball Suzanne Bain-Donohue. Championships held in Queensland

Dear Nican Member this October. After this, the Men and

Women’s teams again will fly to China New Committee It is with great sadness that I write to to hopefully secure their tickets to Rio. The 2015 BVIT AGM was held in early inform you that despite extensive April resulting in a new Committee efforts to obtain necessary resources By Jenny Blow, Goalball Australia being sworn in: to maintain our information service,

we have been unsuccessful and as a President - Glen Barwick result the Nican office will be closing Blind & Vision Treasurer - Gail Underwood our doors on Friday 26th June. Secretary - Eileen Scott Impaired Tenpin Victorian Rep Marilyn Luck Bowling Nican has been a leader in Australia Source: BVIT Website for over a quarter of a century in the

provision of information in the area of ISBA World Games in Seoul sport, recreation, tourism and arts and Other News has worked hard to create an inclusive Australia where people with a Blind Archery disability are valued community members with the ability to

participate and contribute as much as Para & Vision Impaired National the next person. Your membership has Championships demonstrated your commitment to Hosted by the Waverley City Archers, this mission and is highly the first ever Para & Vision Impaired valued. Whilst significant ground has

PAGE 10 BLIND SPORTS AUSTRALIA NEWSLETTER | July 2015 been made in this area we are not The CAS/Inside Sport Clubbie Awards there yet and I encourage you to New Sport Awards are open to all teams, clubs and continue building a society that allows launched by CAS & individuals in Australia. everyone to reach his or her potential through the essence of active Inside Sport Magazine The awards will be announced through: citizenship. A) Inside Sport magazine and online; & The Confederation of Australian Sport Nican is surprised and disappointed to B) via CAS member sporting bodies is an alliance of the 90 peak Australian see the withdrawal of national promoting the awards through their sports bodies. Its charter is to promote information services for people with a extensive communication media to the concept of “sport for all”. disability, at the very moment where ensure that all registered sports men, they are most needed to allow people women and children learn of the Inside Sport is Australia’s leading to make good choices to live great lives Clubbies – and what prizes are on offer sports magazine, published since 1991, under the National Disability to improve services and facilities at with a gold-plated reputation for the Insurance Scheme. We have done their local sports club. integrity and quality of its journalism everything that we can to make and writing. government and the new National To make a nomination, simply enter a

Disability Insurance Agency short supporting statement saying why Together, CAS and Inside Sport have understand the need for these services your colleague/team-mate deserves to joined forces to introduce a new set of and we hope that you will continue to win the award. Nominations open in awards that recognise the fabulous emphasis these needs. July/August and are made online at contributions made to grassroots sport www.insidesport.com.au/clubbies by the largely volunteer army of We are currently seeking to situate enthusiasts all around the country. elements of our service including the All nominations go into a draw to win a

Qantas Carer Concession Card Scheme terrific prize. There are plenty of gongs handed out and database with other organisations to elite athletes at the pointy end of to ensure the advantages these afford The Clubbies will be presented in six professional competition. Not the people with a disability are not lost categories. Clubbies! completely. We will provide you with details once they are known. 1. Best Coach The Inside Sport “Clubbies” recognise 2. Best Player the outstanding achievements of We will also shortly be in contact 3. Best Stalwart Players, Coaches and Officials at again, as there will be constitutional 4. Best Team grassroots club level. requirements in addressing the future 5. Best Club of Nican and as a member you have 6. Best Sporting Education the ability to be part of this. For more information visit: I would like to thank you for your www.insidesport.com.au/clubbies support and membership of Nican.

Blind Sports Australia BSA will continue to advise our Member Organisations of any further A Foundation Member of the correspondence received relating to Australian Paralympic Committee this closure. ABN 68 008 621 252

Blind Sporting Council These awards meet the charter of CAS: PO Box 2114, Oak Park Vic 3046 to recognise and promote the benefits Just an FYI - the Blind Sporting Council of club level, grassroots sport to this have changed their name to: nation’s health and well-being.

These aren’t your posh black-tie awards targeting the top end of town – these are “The Clubbies”, aimed squarely at sport’s heartland.

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BLIND SPORTS AUSTRALIA NEWSLETTER | July 2015

Blind Sports Australia Board Members

Mr David Blyth AO Mr Gary Sargent Mr Sam Theodore Director, Chair Director Director

Ms Karen Ryan Ms Voula Karantzas Mr Garry Humphries Director Director Director

Ms Melissa Martin Mrs Eileen Sargent Mr Stephen Barnes Director Company Secretary CEO

Blind Sports Australia Member Organisations

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