In Campbell River, a remarkable group of athletes is redefining what's possible on the ice. Team "Blind Ambition" — a name that perfectly captures their spirit — is making waves in the curling world, and this week they're proudly hosting the B.C. Blind Curling Championships.

Despite having only 10 to 20 percent of their vision, these dedicated curlers have achieved something extraordinary: they've already won games against fully sighted opponents. The team, formed just this year, is competing against clubs from Prince George, Vancouver, and Kelowna, bringing together the province's four blind curling teams for an inspiring showcase of skill and determination.

Coach Bruce Laurie, a retired physical education teacher, beams with pride when discussing his team's accomplishments. "I think a lot of people would be surprised," he says, noting how precisely his players can place their shots. The secret? A combination of adaptive techniques, practice, and an incredible sense of touch and spatial awareness.

For curlers with some vision, innovative aids help level the playing field. Some players use sticks attached to rocks and aim toward strategically placed lights. Others rely on "clickers" to judge distance down the 45 meters of ice. But perhaps most impressive is the weight sense these athletes develop — knowing exactly how much force is needed to send a rock gliding to its target.

The impact extends far beyond competition. With more than 7,000 blind individuals on Vancouver Island, many of whom rarely leave their homes, this program offers something priceless: community, confidence, and connection. "There's such a great social aspect to it," Laurie explains. "It's one of those sports where you can talk to your opponent and chat away during the game."

The tradition of sharing drinks and stories after matches adds another layer of camaraderie. Last year, an 82-year-old blind man who had curled in his youth joined the team for an entire season. "He just had so much fun," Laurie recalls warmly.

Campbell River has embraced the program wholeheartedly. FYidoctors generously covered ice time costs at the Campbell River Curling Club, while community fundraisers and raffles have provided equipment and tournament support. This outpouring of goodwill demonstrates how sports can unite communities around shared values of inclusion and possibility.

Laurie's vision extends beyond curling. Through the Canadian Council of the Blind, he's promoting blind bowling, golf, and dragon boat racing, hoping to engage people of all ages. "I enjoy the social aspect and building of self-esteem and assertiveness," he says. "You get these huge opportunities, and you have to go out and try it."

The coach is now reaching out to communities in Nanaimo, Duncan, and Victoria, eager to help establish more blind curling programs. He welcomes anyone interested in trying the sport, calling it "a great opportunity for those who have vision loss to see their potential."

The championships kicked off Thursday at 3 p.m., with matches continuing Friday. But win or lose, Team Blind Ambition has already achieved something remarkable: proving that passion, determination, and community support can overcome any obstacle.