Adventure has always been a part of my life. From athletics to playing soccer, goalball, rock climbing, and many other sports, I have always pushed my limits. One of my biggest dreams is to experience real skydiving, but before taking that leap, I wanted to get a feel for what it would be like. So, after moving to Montreal, I decided to try indoor skydiving at iFLY Montreal as a unique way to celebrate my birthday on December 2nd.
I am Suleman Arshad, a visually impaired individual who moved to Canada in 2022. Sports have always been a passion of mine, so when I arrived in Montreal, I started looking for activities that would keep me active and engaged. That’s when I first heard about Dragon Boat racing.
Moving to Canada in 2022 was a big transition for me. In Pakistan, I had attended various youth leadership conferences, from YLC to Markhor and others. While these conferences were impactful, I never came across an event or camp specifically designed for blind individuals. That changed when I learned about CNIB Lake Joseph Camp in Muskoka, Ontario.
Growing up in Pakistan, I never imagined riding a bicycle. As a blind person, the concept of riding a bike seemed like an unattainable dream, especially in a country where specialized equipment for people with disabilities is scarce. Tandem bicycles, designed to be shared by two riders—one as the guide and the other as the stoker—were unheard of in my environment. It wasn’t until I moved to Canada that I discovered the possibilities that tandem bikes bring to the blind community.