Athletics

Visually impaired athletes compete in most track events (ex. 100m to the Marathon) and in most field events (ex. Shot Put, Discus, Javelin, High Jump, Long Jump and Pentathlon). Athletics is a very popular program and meets are held regularly across the province. These local and regional competitions are the building blocks to gaining recognition as an athlete and later success in Provincial Games and National Championships. Athletics is one of the main events at the Paralympics.

You can get involved in Athletics through a local Track and Field or Athletics club. To find a club close to you, visit the Athletics Ontario website and check out their club list: http://athleticsontario.ca/

In all sports, support personnel are key. In Athletics for the blind and visually impaired, guide running is an integral part of an athlete’s success and we are always looking for new guides to help support our athletes. If you are interested in becoming a guide runner, please contact us with any questions. Our Matching Program pairs volunteer trainers with athletes. Our volunteer database spans the province of Ontario, so if a visually impaired athlete is looking for someone to help with their training (recreational or competitive), we will connect them with a runner in their area. If you or someone you know is in need of this service, give us a call!

If you are an organization that serves any athlete with a visual impairment, please contact us! We can help educate coaches, run clinics for guide runners and provide ongoing support for your athlete. If you have never worked with an athlete who is blind or visually impaired before – don’t sweat it! We can provide resources and support to give you and your athlete the best possible experience in sport. Please contact our office with any questions – we are always happy to help newcomers in our sport community.
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