Joe’s Team – "Blind Guys Tri-Team"
The CNIB Lake Joseph Centre opened its doors on September 11 to the “Blind Guys Tri Team” – a unique team made up of 30 athletes living with vision loss and 30 sighted guides – for an introduction to triathlon training.
Organizers Joe Finley, Tim Tremain, Terry Kelly, and the Lake Joe team brought 
together a group of athletes with various skill levels to learn to swim, bike and run. The goal for the entire team is to compete in a sprint triathlon next summer, along with ‘Joe's Team’, to raise funds for cancer research and Lake Joe.
Led by coaches Steve Bentley and Cathy Rober, a number of training sessions were held during the four-day event, that ended 
with a super sprint triathlon allowing the athletes and their guides to put their skills to the test. The team will train over the next year in preparation for the Joe's Team Triathlon on July 11, 2009, which will be held at Lake Joe.
The event is the first of its kind for Lake Joe. Lake Joe provided 
the accommodations in its world class facilities, food, and equipment, but the participants supplied the heart!
The athletes are represented from across Canada and are a variety of athletic abilities, ranging from beginners to Paralympians. 
The Blind Guys Tri Team focuses on people’s abilities rather than disabilities. Living with vision loss should not be a barrier to enjoying life’s pursuits or being challenged physically. The athletes and guides have proven that a challenging run, deep swim, and long bike ride can all be accomplished with perseverance and a positive attitude.
It is amazing what can be accomplished when you just tri!
A spring training camp is already in the works. Keep checking back for more information on the next training session or upcoming events.
For more information, contact Daniela Rodrigo, Director, Event Fundraising at blindguystriteam@cnib.ca.
Visit: www.joesteam.ca.