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Cochrane teen takes up cause for visual impairment

Kids have a way of overcoming life’s obstacles to the extent that amazes even their own parents. Ryan Switzer, a 15-year-old Grade 9 Bow Valley High (BVH) student, is one such youth.
Ryan Switzer, a 15-year-old Grade 9 student at Bow Valley High, is raising funds for Alberta Sports and Recreation Association for the Blind, gearing up for Sight Night Nov.
Ryan Switzer, a 15-year-old Grade 9 student at Bow Valley High, is raising funds for Alberta Sports and Recreation Association for the Blind, gearing up for Sight Night Nov. 17.

Kids have a way of overcoming life’s obstacles to the extent that amazes even their own parents.

Ryan Switzer, a 15-year-old Grade 9 Bow Valley High (BVH) student, is one such youth.

Faced with the challenge of visual impairment in his right eye, Switzer has chosen to champion visual impairment, on behalf of others who are affected by this.

That’s the motive behind his fundraising efforts for Alberta Sports and Recreation Association for the Blind (ASRAB), culminating in Sight Night Nov. 17 — a fun run/walk along the Bow River in Calgary post-dusk for the non-profit organization.

“There’s a lot of people who have worse vision than me or who are completely blind,” said Switzer.

The eight-kilometre run or three-kilometre walk begins at Eau Claire Market, after the sun goes down Nov. 17. Participants with visual impairment will be joined by sighted runners and walkers, on a path lit by the headlights of supporters and enthusiasts.

The event was initiated by Kevin Kaminski, a blind athlete and retired goalball Paralympian.

“My first goal was $1,500, then $3,000 and now I’m hoping to reach $5,000 by Nov. 17,” said Switzer, who credits BVH secretary Bobbi Fridfinnson for introducing him to Kaminski and assisting with the fundraising efforts.

Half of the funds raised to date are from bottle donations at BVH and the other half are from online contributions, which can be made at running-room.com, under giving and by typing in Ryan’s name.

“I’m very proud of him,” said his mother, Lisa Switzer. “To me, it’s just amazing. . . I’m hoping when we do the run that he will see that in some regards, he’s fortunate to have at least some vision.”

Lisa said that they are still looking for people to join their running team, the Cochrane Winkers, and can get in touch with her at [email protected].

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