For an athlete who is blind, paddling is unique.
For an athlete who is blind, dragon boat racing is unique from all other sports because we’re on an equal playing field with everyone else. There’s no special equipment, no accommodations except having someone lead us to the boat. Once we’re in the boat, we get to be just athletes — not “blind athletes.” There’s almost no other sport that offers that. I think everyone on the team treasures the ability to compete on an equal playing field as the number one reason we’re drawn to paddling.
John Fleming
Paddler
Blind Ambition PDX
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John,
When I first heard the members of Blind Ambition talk about this subject – about getting to be “just athletes” – it really came home to me why the team is so important. It still gives me the chills whenever I think about it.
Thanks so much for sharing this and for everything you and Darian have so graciously taught me about life with visual impairment so I could understand a little better what I can’t experience for myself.