Participating in sight night as a team is a fun way to bring people together to support ASRAB and generate more awareness about the sport and recreational opportunities available to visually impaired Albertans.
At the 2014 sight night event, one of the largest teams was Miles for Matthew. Angie Silvius started this team back in 2013 with her friend Kathleen in honour of her son, Matthew. Matthew, whose now 8, was born with LCA.
“We didn’t know he was blind until his three month check up but Matthew doesn’t let being blind stop him. He did the run last year,” says Angie.
It was important to Angie to create this team not only for her son, but also to raise awareness about the resources available to blind and visually impaired Albertans.
“I’m always making sure Matthew is able to try out sports and recreation every possibility we get and ASRAB provides these opportunities.”
Miles for Matthew consists of family, friends, church friends and everyone who loves Matthew. In 2014, there were about 30 members and Angie predicts there will be about 40 in 2015.
“Participating in sight night as a team has brought us together in a way no one will understand. We all do it for Matthew and others with visual impairments. It’s an amazing feeling knowing you’re helping them get a chance to try things they never thought they’d be able to do.”
Participating as a team in sight night is a win-win for Angie. She’s able to raise money for ASRAB which provides sport and recreation opportunities for her son and generate awareness.
“You’d be surprised how many people have no idea about organizations like ASRAB but if you promote what you’re doing it makes a difference. That’s my biggest piece of advice to other team captains: promote, promote, promote. Sometimes it feels like you’re hounding people for donations or to join your team but it’s all worth it in the end.”
Participating as a team is simple. Gather some friends, family members or co-workers, decide on a team captain and a team name, have the team captain register the team and then invite everyone else to register! All your fundraising will go towards your team total and teams will have a chance to win some extra prizes!
Need more information? Feel free to contact us at: sightnightedmonton@asrab.ab.ca
