Sports in the MBSA
GOALBALL
Goalball is the only team sport specifically designed for the blind. Played on a gym floor, Goalball features three players on a side who try to roll the ball past each other and into the nine meter wide net. The Goalball itself is roughly the size of a basketball, a touch heavier and has bells placed within it that jingle when rolled along the floor. Players use their sense of hearing to locate, stop and handle the Goalball. As all players are blindfolded, Goalball is unique in that it allows, blind, visually impaired and sighted athletes to play on a more or less equal level. Manitoba Blind Sports Associations Goalball program takes place Saturday mornings from mid-October until April. Goalball is played by both males and females however due to the physical nature of the sport, it is recommended that players be at least 16 years of age to play. Goalball is not suitable for those with a detached retina. more information and videos
Swimming
Class sizes are small and
participants can join at any time during the season. The swim program is open
to all ages.
Our swimming lessons are taught by a level 3 NCCP certified coach, with the
assistance of volunteers. more information
Golf
One of the goals of the Manitoba Blind Sports Association is to develop and promote the sport of golf and to provide visually impaired individuals with the opportunity to train and compete in the game. more information
The Provincial Blind Golf Tournament will be held at the Tuxedo Golf Course on May 26th. Tee times start at 1:30 pm. The 2012 Western Canadian Blind Golf Championship will be held at the South Interlake Golf Course in Selkirk, Manitoba on August 6 to 8. The Canadian Blind Golf Championship will be held in Truro, Nova Scotia on July 11-13. MBSA will be hosting two nine hole alternate shot Golf Tournaments. Dates and locations are still being arranged.
Cross Country Skiing
Cross country skiing is an excellent way to get out and enjoy our great outdoors. If you are interested in our skiing program you can get more information
Rowing
The Manitoba Blind Sports Association started a rowing program in 2007. The lessons were held at the Winnipeg Rowing Club. The Learn to Row program is an eight week program that starts in June, and Lessons are held once a week. If members are interested in an advanced program, please see additional info. If there is interest in the advanced program the MBSA would meet with the Winnipeg Rowing Club to make the necessary arrangements.
Additional info: Novice Rowing Program Description
The development of the new Novice program provides athletes from the Learn-to-Row program with the opportunity to continue to develop their rowing skills before joining the Recreational or Competitive Rowing programs. Novice rowers meet three times per week, from May to September. Crews are set on a casual basis, and may row in any combination of eights, quads, fours, doubles and/or singles. The program’s primary focus is on technique and having fun out on the water. Novice members join with Recreational members in the winter for group fitness sessions and organized social events throughout the year.
To join the Novice program you must be at least 18 years of age and have prior rowing experience and/or have completed the Learn-to-Row program. Community Rowing Challenge participants are encouraged to spend some time in the Novice program before transitioning to the Recreational or Competitive Rowing program. As a safety precaution, participants must be able to swim.
Lawn Bowling
Blind and visually impaired lawn bowlers compete alongside sighted players and use only adapted orientation skills to play the game. more information
Binh Vo of Manitoba went undefeated in eight games at the 2012 Blind Bowlers Association of Canada (BBAC) National Championships held in St. Catharines, on July 22-28, 2012. Binh competed against Teams from British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario, Quebec, and New Brunswick. Binh is now qualified to represent Canada in the 2013 World Blind Lawn Bowling Championships being held in June 2013 in Worthing, England.
Curling
Curling is a great team sport that all can play. Coaches and practice rounds are provided. Teams play once a week during the winter months and those wishing to compete at a higher level can tryout to make the Provincial Team! This will provide the opportunity to compete at Western and Nationals. Click here for more information on curling.