Alberta Sports & Recreation Association for the Blind

ABOUT US

HISTORY

Alberta Junior Woman's Goalball Team - 2009 Canadian Blind Sports Junior National Goalball Champions

The Alberta Sports and Recreation Association for the Blind, ASRAB, was incorporated as an Association on November 17, 1975. Its main purpose at the time was to send Provincial athletes to the 1976 Canadian Championships in Cambridge, Ontario to compete in track, field, swimming, Goalball and lawn bowls and then to Toronto for the 1976 Paralympic Games. Alberta athletes have represented Canada at every Paralympic Games since it's inception in 1976, attended World Championships and Canadian Championships in most disciplines.

ASRAB has grown from a kitchen table Association to a professional volunteer organization dedicated to the provision of sport and recreation opportunities for all persons in Alberta who are blind or partially sighted. An Executive Committee of nine elected volunteer members governs ASRAB.

ASRAB has in the past and will in the future ensure the provision of programs in sport and recreation for persons who are blind to enhance the quality of lifestyle of each member.

In order to meet the objectives of the Association, ASRAB plans in three specific areas: ADMINISTRATION, LEADERSHIP, and PROGRAMS. ASRAB attempts to not duplicate recreation services provided by other agencies.

ADMINISTRATION

The Executive Director is responsible for the interpretation and implementation of policies and procedures; the day-to-day operations of the Association; the facilitation of ASRAB's programs; staff supervision; and fund raising.

LEADERSHIP

ASRAB provides professional development opportunities for members to enhance existing leadership skills or to learn new leadership skills.

PROGRAM

ASRAB's program plan has three components to it: sport, recreation and public education.

SPORTS
ASRAB supports programs that involve extended periods of training by athletes in sports sanctioned by the Canadian Blind Sports Association, in order to participate in National or International level competitions. ASRAB programs include the direct provision or facilitation of the provision of coaching and training opportunities. ASRAB actively pursues the inclusion of athletes who are blind in the sport delivery system in Canada. The sports, which are included in the competitive sports programs, are: Goalball, and lawn bowls.

ASRAB is also involved in the facilitation of sports instruction in other areas. These sports include hockey, 5 pin bowling, golf, athletics, tandem cycling, swimming, judo and power lifting

As a volunteer organization ASRAB volunteers coaches, team managers, athletic therapists, guide runners, tappers, directors, referees and officials deliver our sports programs.
PUBLIC EDUCATION
As public awareness continues to increase about the abilities of blind and partially sighted persons to participate in sport and recreation so do ASRAB's public education activities. Public education programs include: the maintenance of pictorial archives; advertising and promotional materials to continue public relations; the distribution of brochures and programs which elaborate on the activities of the Association.

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