As I trained through 2008 it quickly became apparent that undertaking an Ironman is a selfish endeavor. I also recognized that as I am legally blind as a result of a rare visual condition called Achromatopsia, my attempt at Ironman is somewhat unique, and presents an opportunity to give back to the community. As a result, Seeing Beyond was born. The campaign represents the coming together of my quest to complete Ironman in the face of the unique challenge my limited vision presents, and the opportunity to raise awareness and give back to CNIB – an organization that has helped me and thousands of others See Beyond the challenges of living with low or no vision.
While the www.seeingbeyond.ca site will give you all you need to understand the campaign, this blog will document my personal journey. I expect it will be a mix of elements including race reports and accounts of killer workouts to appeal to the athletic geek; some background on me, my visual impairment, and how it impacts my life; some of the events of my life that have brought me to where I am today; and a collection of the random thoughts that come to one while staring at the line on the bottom of the pool, or out on the roads at 5:00 am in the cold and wet Vancouver winter.
Subscribe to my Blog and join me on my $1000 a mile journey to Ironman.
About Me
- Matt Brown
- Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Matt Brown is a Vancouver executive, husband, father of two beautiful girls and avid yet amateur (very amateur) triathlete. Matt is currently training for the 2009 Ironman Canada Triathlon. What makes Matt’s attempt unique is that he is legally blind as a result of a rare visual impairment called Achromatopsia. Matt is using his journey to the Ironman finish line to launch Seeing Beyond, a charitable campaign aimed at raising awareness and $140,000 ($1000 for every mile of Ironman) for CNIB – an organization that has helped Matt and thousands of others See Beyond life’s limitations.
2 comments:
Matt;
On behalf of the CNIB and most importantly the approximate 17,300 clients we serve in British Columbia and the Yukon I extend sincere thanks and best wishes for your initiative. You have put together an excellent team, and behind every great team is an inspiration and leader – and your a true inspiration for all of us. We are behind you 110% as you strive to attain your goal of raising $140,000 for CNIB – British Columbia & Yukon.
Kindest personal regards,
John Mulka
Executive Director
British Columbia & Yukon
CNIB
John,
Thanks very much for your kind words. I am very excited about this journey, and it wonderful to be reconnected to CNIB after a long absence. I am looking forward to a great partnership over the coming months.
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