Athletes | VSP Blog

Posts Tagged ‘athletes’

Blind Athletes Compete in California International Marathon

Posted on December 6th, 2011 by Dan T

Dan from VSP guiding Mr. Hooper

This past weekend, I was a guide runner for one of the visually impaired athletes in the California International Marathon. His name was Mr. Hooper, a retired U.S. Army veteran from Houston,Texas, and he was a member of the Unites States Association of Blind Athletes. I learned a lot about Mr. Hooper, including that he went 30 years without going in for an eye exam. After experiencing worsening vision, he finally went in and was diagnosed with advanced glaucoma; he would progressively lose his vision.

Mr. Hooper’s determination to overcome his glaucoma was an inspiration. The joy of being out on our Sacramento roads was clear on his face, from start to finish, because his training was confined to a treadmill. I was proud to be a Sacramentan during the run because we got vocal, enthusiastic support all along our leg of the relay.

I have run a ton of races from 5Ks to Marathons, UltraMarathons, roads, trails and everything in between. I only ran 5.9 miles with Mr. Hooper, but it was one of the most rewarding experiences I have ever had in my running career. As a fellow veteran, I sincerely felt honored to be able to team up with this Vietnam veteran. I will now also value my eye sight and my ability to run long distances a lot more from this day forward.

The USABA, California International Marathon, our local providers, and VSP made a difference in the lives of some amazing athletes this weekend and drove home, in vivid detail, that the work we do does make a difference in people’s lives.

VSP worked with Dr. Ernie Takahashi, a VSP provider who is an avid supporter of the athletes, and the USABA to help support the runners in this marathon. A special thanks to everyone who participated.

File under: Diversity, eye health, Get Fit, Glaucoma, sports, VSP in the Community | Tagged: athletes, blind, California International Marathon, CIM, marathon, running, United States Association of Blind Athletes, USABA, veteran, visually impaired, VSP
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Not Limited by Visual Impairments

Posted on December 3rd, 2011 by Jessica H.

I’m attending a dinner on tonight to celebrate the individuals who will be participating in the California International Marathon—one of only 3 races for the people who are blind in the nation this year. Runners from the U.S. Association of Blind Athletes will be participating. The race takes place tomorrow, and it’s a really great opportunity for these athletes to showcase their abilities, regardless of their visual impairments. Each runner has a guide to help safely navigate the course. As a runner myself, I volunteered to help lead but wasn’t fast enough to be of service; these are hardcore athletes.

I was inspired. So I started wondering what other people have accomplished regardless of their visual impairments. Did you know Andrea Bocelli became blind after a football injury when he was 12? And Harriet Tubman also received a head wound that left her with a visual impairment. Check out the list and read more details. I think you’ll be impressed!

File under: sports | Tagged: athletes, blind, blind runner, CIM, famous blind people, USABA
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Nike Vision…it really is better!

Posted on November 21st, 2011 by Nancy D

Oh my! Who knew there was so much to a sportswear lens? I am not an elite athlete, so I’ve never been in a position to know that my eyewear could mean the difference between winning a race, hitting a hole-in-one, or digging a sweet hit out of the sand. But it can and it does. The science and technology behind what each lens can do for the athlete’s vision is amazing.

I recently attended an employee brownbag to learn about Nike Vision lenses. Among other things, they demonstrated how and why the different technologies are important to an athlete’s success: the lens, tint, weight, temple, shape, and more. They all work together to create superior and intensely clear line of vision for athletes around the world and in every sport.

Experiencing Nike this way got me pumped not just to pay closer attention to how I see while participating in activities, but it also lit a fire bringing out my inner athlete. Like Nike says, “if you have a body, you’re an athlete.” I better get to it. I wonder how it will change my game and what I’ve really been missing.

And don’t forget you can use your VSP benefits for genuine Nike lenses.

File under: Frames & Lenses, sports | Tagged: athletes, Athletic Eyewear, Nike, Nike Vision, Sport Vision, Sportswear, sunglasses
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Visit My Court

Posted on July 19th, 2010 by Tyreke Evans

As an athlete, I know how important vision is so I partnered with VSP to create a website about eye safety for all my fans and athletes out there. The new site is called ”Tyreke’s Court” and has information on eye safety and eye health, specifically for people who play sports. Visit Tyreke’s Court and let me know what you think!

About Tyreke Evans and VSP Vision Care

VSP Vision Care is proud to be the exclusive eyecare and eyewear provider for Tyreke Evans. Tyreke plays professional basketball for the Sacramento Kings and was named 2010 Rookie of the Year. He’s the fourth rookie ever to average 20 points, 5 assists and 5 rebounds per game. The only other players to accomplish this were Oscar Robertson, Michael Jordan and LeBron James. Not only is good vision a critical component for being successful in sports, it’s also an important part of every day life. Be sure to follow VSP Vision Care on Facebook and Twitter to keep up with Tyreke’s Activities.