The Canadian Blind Sports Association has named former University of British Columbia Old-Boys (UBCOB) Ravens Rugby Club Director James Thompson High Performance Director for Canada’s men’s and women’s national goalball teams.
James has been the Director of Rugby at UBCOB Ravens for the past 4 years, coaching past professionals and current Canadian Rugby players. James and his team of assistant coaches combined to lead a very successful program; highlights include winning the Canadian Championships in 2019 and the BC Provincial Championship in 2018 & 2019. James was also Head Coach of the senior men’s regional side in 2019 – the BC Bears. In these roles, he was responsible for strategic planning, the delivery of the senior men’s program, and athlete and coach development.
James played semi-professional rugby in Ireland for 5 years while completing a Bachelor of Science at the University of Ulster. He represented Ireland at the club level, and his province nationally before moving to Canada 2013. He was awarded a sports scholarship to come to UBC to study and play rugby. After a successful season of playing varsity rugby, he was offered a two-year extension that allowed him to complete two Masters, one in Kinesiology and another in Education.
James is looking forward to his work with the Canadian Blind Sports Goalball Program. Having been part of team environments for the past 20 years, James has vast experience building success at all levels. James has a proven track record of building a culture of excellence and accountability within teams and individual players.
Goalball and rugby are two of the ultimate team sports,” said Thompson. “They both require exquisite teamwork, endurance, reflex, mental sharpness, discipline, and a very high level of physical fitness.”
“We have a very talented bunch of athletes across both programs,” added Thompson. “The women will be working very hard over the course of the next year to become the most prepared team in Canadian Goalball history going to the Paralympics, while the men are very eager to get moving on a rebuilding period and prove their capabilities on the International stage. I will be working hard with head coaches Nathalie Séguin and Trent Farebrother and assistant coach Darren Hamilton, to stay the course of these two very ambitious programs.”
The Canadian Blind Sports Association (CBSA) is a not for profit association serving individuals who are blind, visually impaired, deaf-blind, or are blind and have additional disabilities; and their families and other supporters. The CBSA also serves as the national sport governing body for the Paralympic sport of Goalball in Canada, and provides support for all Canadians who are blind/visually impaired to be involved in a range of sports.
Additional Information:
Jane D Blaine
Chief Executive Officer Chef de direction
jane@canadianblindsports.ca