Blaire Nesbitt
Position: Left Wing
How long have you played goalball?
Since January 2013, so just over 8 years.
What has been the highlight of your goalball career?
Being selected to represent Canada at the 2015 Parapan Am Games in Toronto and winning a bronze medal making it possible for me to compete in Rio de Janeiro. During the Paralympics I scored the tying goal against Lithuania in our quarter final with less than 30 seconds to put us into overtime. That has definitely been the highlight so far!
What are your personal and team goals for goalball?
My personal goals are to get faster and stronger, both physically and mentally, to progress my goalball goals as an athlete. My team goal is for all of us to succeed in Alberta, being the top National Team.
Do you play any other sports?
I am fully committed to goalball at this point in my life. I do some recreational sports with friends, such as hockey, basketball, and football.
How has ASRAB helped you?
ASRAB has helped me to become a confident athlete once again after not being able to compete in able-bodied sports once I was in high school. I lost all hope in competing in sports due to my vision by the time I was a teenager. When ASRAB was brought to my attention by CNIB, my hope was renewed, and I was able to quickly progress in goalball and was in the ‘game’ as an athlete once again. It has enabled me to be a better person both on and off the court, I have developed leadership skills and confidence which allowed me to progress as an athlete representing both Alberta and Canada on a number of occasions.
Have you participated in other ASRAB activities?
Yes, I have participated in Sight Night since its inception in Edmonton, blind hockey, Try-It events, and various fundraisers supporting ASRAB.
What motivates you to continue to participate in sports and recreation with ASRAB?
Becoming a world champion and Olympic gold medalist, representing Canada is what I am striving for. Continuing to become a better leader, on and off the court. To inspire not only the current generation, but also future generations, in goalball. Also, to continue to improve myself both mentally and physically and to remain healthy and fit for a long and successful future in goalball.
Do you have any other personal philosophies on goalball and sport that you would like to share?
Be passionate, respectable, excellent, and persevere. I think if you can be these core values, you can succeed at whatever you want.
