Thomas sailing with Spirit of Adventure
For Auckland based Thomas Coysh, sport has always been a big part of his life. As a teenager, Thomas was diagnosed with a genetic condition called Retinitis Pigmentosa, which causes loss of vision. His deteriorating vision forced him to learn new ways to keep active, through the many adapted sport opportunities available to him.
Before his sight began to deteriorate, Thomas played football, cricket, touch rugby and field hockey competitively. He was also recreationally involved in motocross, skiing, ice skating, and golf. It was whilst playing football at the age of 15 that Thomas first started to notice his worsening vision. Unable to see the ball when it was airborne, Thomas soon had to stop playing football, and many of the other sports he was involved in.
Determined to keep active, Thomas who is now 21, has not let his vision impairment impact his participation in sport. He has tried a range of adapted sports such as marathon running with a guide runner, tandem cycling with a sighted pilot, and even a mud run.
Thomas climbing over obstacles during a 5km mud run
Not afraid to get out of his comfort zone, Thomas completed an Outward Bound course designed specifically for those with a vision impairment in 2019. The aim of this course is to support people to discover their full potential through outdoor challenges and adventures. For Thomas, a highlight of the eight-day course was when his group completed a sailing challenge with one of the fastest times on record amongst those with and without a disability.
After enjoying the sailing component of Outward Bound, Thomas joined the youth sailing programme Spirit of Adventure. He completed the Inspiration Voyage, designed for those with sensory, physical, and mental disabilities. Having discovered a passion for sailing, Thomas was invited back to work for the Spirit of Adventure and has now completed several trips as a crewmate.
A picturesque day on the water during Thomas’ Spirit of Adventure trip
Although 2020 may have been a bit of a quieter year for all of us, 2021 is shaping up to be a busy one for Thomas. He’s keen to get involved in more of the adapted sports sessions offered by various sport disability organisations, with plans to visit an adapted shooting range, and participate in cycling, skiing, and sailing sessions. Also on the horizon for Thomas is his second Outward Bound course. This time around, he will be completing the 21 day course, with the only adaptation being an additional instructor
on call to assist with some of the activities. Thomas has been training hard to prepare for the challenge ahead.
When we asked Thomas what drives his continued participation in sport, he said it’s the social aspect and the opportunity to keep active. He attributes his continued involvement in sport to organisations like Blind Sport NZ, who make his participation possible through the support and adapted opportunities they offer.
Are you interested in finding out more about the sport opportunities available to you? Visit the Find a Sport page, or get in touch with casey@blindsport.kiwi