2008 News Archive

News Releases

T-Base Celebrates Return of Sponsored Athlete after Beijing Success - September 26, 2008
2010 Paralympic Hopeful Selected for T-Base Communications 2008/09 Athletic Sponsorship - September 3, 2008
T-Base Communications Proudly Sponsors Blind Runner Selected to Represent Canada at 2008 Games in Beijing - July 7, 2008
Call for Blind and Partially Sighted Athlete Nominations for T-Base Annual Sponsorship - May 1, 2008
T-Base Communications Reaches Out to Bermuda Toddler with Sound - March 27, 2008

T-Base Celebrates Return of Sponsored Athlete after Beijing Success

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OTTAWA, ON (September 26, 2008) T-Base Communications is proud to announce the home arrival of sponsored athlete, Jason Dunkerley, who has returned to Canada after competing at the 2008 Paralympic Games, bringing home the Bronze medal.  T-Base created the Athletic Sponsorship Program for blind and partially sighted individuals who exemplify a commitment and drive for success in their field. 

In the 2007/2008 season, T-Base sponsored blind runner, and now three-time Paralympic medallist Jason Dunkerley, who races with the assistance of directional and verbal cues from a sighted guide running closely beside him. "It's great to be home and rallied by friends, family and supporters," said Dunkerley.  Jason, who won Silver medals at both the 2000 and 2004 games, recently competed in the 800m and 1500m events for his B1 class in Beijing China, earning Canada a bronze in the 1500m. When asked what drives him, Jason modestly admitted that while winning the medal is a huge accolade, he is personally driven to beat his best times at every opportunity and plans to continue competing. 

T-Base is officially honouring Jason at a company-wide event this week.  "We are very proud. There was no doubt in my mind that Jason would accomplish great things," says Sharlyn Ayotte, President and CEO of T-Base Communications.  "He is a true inspiration to all, empowering those he meets with the belief that no challenge is too difficult to overcome," adds Ayotte.  

T-Base continues to sponsor blind and partially sighted athletes by providing recipients with communication materials in alternate formats, their core business.  2010 Winter Paralympic hopeful, Margarita Gorbounova, has been selected as this year's Blind or Partially Sighted Athletic Sponsorship recipient, and is now the third athlete to obtain sponsorship support since the program inception.

About T-Base Communications
Specializing in website accessibility, braille, large print, e-Text and audio, T-Base Communications provides alternative format solutions, assisting government and Fortune 500 companies to communicate with their customers who cannot access information in conventional ways. Working with the most progressive companies globally, T-Base converts conventionally printed statements and documents into alternate formats privately and securely, providing leading organizations the opportunity to reach a wider audience while simultaneously meeting the diverse information needs of their client base.

For media inquiries, please contact:
Deanna White, Media Relations
T-Base Communications, Inc.
(613) 236-0866 Ext. 231
dwhite@tbase.com

2010 Paralympic Hopeful Selected for T-Base Communications 2008/09 Athletic Sponsorship

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OTTAWA, ON (September 3, 2008) - With this summer's Paralympic Games set to open in just under a week's time, T-Base Communications announced today that 2010 Winter Paralympic hopeful, Margarita Gorbounova, has been selected as this year's Blind or Partially Sighted Athletic Sponsorship recipient.

Gorbounova, a partially sighted cross-country skier, competes with primary guide Sarah Mamen in a number of varying distances, from sprints (1 km) up to long distance (15 km). At 24, Margarita has been competing in the sport for three years, and has managed to balance her academic studies with frequent National team training camps and competitions in both Canada and Europe. While it has not been a primary focus to date, Margarita also hopes to begin racing competitively in the biathlon going forward.

"Short term, I'm hoping to qualify for the World Championships in Finland, and World Cups in Canada and Sweden. Long term, it is my hope that these competitions can act as a stepping stone towards my goal of representing Canada at the 2010 Paralympics in British Columbia," said Gorbounova. "I'm excited that T-Base shares my vision".

Now in it's third term, the annual sponsorship aims to provide recipients with required materials in alternate formats, T-Base Communications core business, as well as to gain athletes exposure to successes in their sport. Last year's recipient, Jason Dunkerley, is currently preparing to compete for Canada in the 800m and 1500m track events at the upcoming Paralympic Games in Beijing, China.

"We continue to be impressed by the undeniable passion, ability, and determination demonstrated by these athletes," said Sharlyn Ayotte, President and CEO of T-Base Communications. "We are thrilled to have the unique opportunity to follow Margarita's journey, and to congratulate her for her accomplishments in some way," adds Ayotte.

About T-Base Communications
Specializing in website accessibility, braille, large print, e-Text and audio, T-Base Communications provides alternative format solutions, assisting government and Fortune 500 companies to communicate with their customers who cannot access information in conventional ways. Working with the most progressive companies globally, T-Base converts conventionally printed statements and documents into alternate formats, providing leading organizations the opportunity to reach a wider audience while simultaneously meeting the diverse information needs of their client base.
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For media inquiries, please contact:
Deanna White, Media Relations
T-Base Communications, Inc.
(613) 236-0866 Ext. 231
dwhite@tbase.com

 

T-Base Communications Proudly Sponsors Blind Runner Selected to Represent Canada at 2008 Games in Beijing

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OTTAWA, ON (July 7th, 2008) - With the anticipation of the 2008 Paralympic Games scheduled to commence on September 6th, Athletics Canada recently released the official names of the athletes that have been selected to represent Canada in Beijing, China. One of the names appearing on the Team Canada's list is T-Base sponsored Jason Dunkerley, a blind runner and two-time Paralympian who races with the assistance of directional and verbal cues from a sighted guide running closely beside him.
 
Jason was the recipient of this year's annual T-Base Athletic Sponsorship; a program created and first launched in 2006 for blind and partially sighted athletes who demonstrate a commitment to their competitive sport and who exemplify a drive for success. As a leader in alternative format solutions, T-Base provides sponsorship recipients with a variety of accessible communication materials.
 
 "We are thrilled to have followed and supported Jason's journey over the past year. His story is truly inspirational," said Sharlyn Ayotte, President and CEO of T-Base Communications.  Dunkerley has qualified to compete in the 1500m event for his B1 class, as well as the 800m B2, or partially sighted, class. His personal best times for these events are 4.07.05 and 2.00.39 respectively, putting him in a very good position for medal status at the Games. "We have no doubt that his strength and determination will pay off in Beijing and beyond," adds Ayotte.
 
The announcement of Jason's position on Team Canada delivers good news for current and future blind athletes who endeavour to compete at the highest calibre for their sport. With great interest and success surrounding the program to date, T-Base is currently accepting nominations for the 2008/09 Athletic Sponsorship. Submissions will be accepted on or before August 1st, 2008, and the awarded recipient will be announced on August 18th, 2008. Further eligibility and submission guidelines can be found on the T-Base website.

About Jason Dunkerley
Jason is the current Canadian record-holder in both the 800m and 1500m track events for his B1 class, and is mere seconds short of attaining World records for both distances. He achieved silver medals at both the 2000 and 2004 Paralympic Games, and hopes to contribute to Canada's medal count at the upcoming Paralympics in Beijing, China. Jason currently works as the Program Coordinator for the Active Living Alliance for Canadians with a Disability where his aim is to foster active living participation among individuals with a disability. 
 
About T-Base Communications
Specializing in website accessibility, braille, large print, e-Text and audio, T-Base Communications provides alternative format solutions, assisting government and Fortune 500 companies to communicate with their customers who cannot access information in conventional ways. Working with the most progressive companies globally, T-Base converts conventionally printed statements and documents into alternate formats, providing leading organizations the opportunity to reach a wider audience while simultaneously meeting the diverse information needs of their client base.    
 
For Media inquiries, please contact
Deanna White, Media Relations
T-Base Communications
(613) 236-0866 Ext. 231
dwhite@tbase.com  

 

Call for Blind and Partially Sighted Athlete Nominations for T-Base Annual Sponsorship

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OTTAWA (May 1, 2008) - T-Base Communications Inc. announced today that they are now accepting nominations of blind and partially sighted athletes for the 2008/2009 T-Base Athletic Sponsorship. This annual sponsorship is awarded in the spirit of T-Base Communications, to a blind or partially sighted athlete dedicated to a competitive sport who exemplifies the drive for success and commitment in his/her athletic endeavors.        
 
T-Base Communications provides recipients of the annual sponsorship with various communication materials such as braille business cards and speaking notes in an accessible format of choice. "We believe T-Base's ongoing support reflects our commitment to providing competitive blind athletes with the accessible materials they need, and the exposure to personal achievements they deserve," said Sharlyn Ayotte, president and CEO of T-Base Communications. 

Paralympian Jason Dunkerley was selected for the 2007/2008 Sponsorship program. Jason, a blind runner who navigates the track through directional and verbal cues from a sighted guide running closely beside him, is the current Canadian record holder for both the 800m and 1500m track events for his B1 class. He earned silver medals at both the 2000 and 2004 Paralympic Games, and aspires to represent Canada at the 2008 Games in Beijing, China. In his most recent competition, Jason placed first in the 800m and 1500m events at the Para Pan American Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, winning Canada two gold medals.                    

Deaf-blind speed skater Kevin Frost was the recipient of the previous year's sponsorship, and T-Base continues to support his ambition to introduce speed skating as an event at the Paralympic Games. After short and long track competitions throughout Canada and the United States, Kevin is now ranked 8th in the world against able-bodied skaters in long track, and 4th in Ontario in short track.     

 "The story of these truly inspiring athletes demonstrates what can be accomplished as a result of hard work and pure determination, the foundation on which T-Base was built," adds Ayotte.

Nomination Process

In order to submit a nomination, please send emails to chayes@tbase.com on or before August 1st, 2008, with the following inclusions:

  • The name of the athlete in the email message subject line
  • An explanation (40 lines or less) outlining the goals and ambitions of the nominee
  • Location, if any, of additional information on which your nomination is based (i.e. Website, articles, etc.)

T-Base sponsorship eligibility is limited to North American residents.  Previous recipients of the sponsorship are not eligible for nomination, however re-submission of previous nominees is encouraged. From those eligible, the sponsorship committee will select a 2008/2009 recipient based on alignment of T-Base goals and objectives, and will be announced on August 18, 2008.

 

T-Base Communications Reaches Out to Bermuda Toddler with Sound

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OTTAWA, ON (March 27, 2008). When T- Base Communications heard of Zyare Outerbridge's incurable condition that could leave him blind and is currently affecting his everyday activities, they didn't hesitate to reach out. Zyare lives in Bermuda with his family and has Leber's Congenital Amaurosis, commonly referred to as LCA, which is a gradual deterioration of his retina cells.

To help ensure that Zyare adapts to his new situation and his enjoyment for learning continues, T-Base will be providing storybooks to Zyare in audio format on a monthly basis for an entire year. "I can certainly relate as my sight deteriorated over time, however, I was much older and able to cope with my vision loss comprehensibly. I can only imagine how frightening it would be for a three year old," said Sharlyn Ayotte, President and CEO of T-Base Communications.

Zyare's vision is already being affected as he has difficulty recognizing some objects and is terrified of the dark. Zyare's prognosis is that he will lose most of his vision in 10-15 years. "The motivation for T-Base was simple compassion. I wanted to bring inspiration to Zyare and his family by demonstrating that there are many successful blind individuals who contribute fully and actively in society," adds Ayotte.

"We are so incredibly grateful to T-Base and their generous offer to help Zyare through this transition. It will not only mean a great deal to Zyare as his condition worsens, but also to my family who truly appreciates the support from as far reaching as Canada." said Zyare's mother.

About T-Base Communications
Specializing in website accessibility, braille, large print, e-Text and audio formats, T-Base Communications provides alternative format solutions, assisting government and Fortune 500 companies to communicate with their customers who cannot access information in conventional ways. Working with the most progressive companies globally, T-Base converts conventionally printed statements and documents into alternate formats, providing leading organizations the opportunity to reach a wider audience while simultaneously meeting the diverse information needs of their client base.

From time to time, T-Base provides accessible communications to individuals. A prime example is the annual athletic sponsorship of a blind athlete where T-Base assisted deaf-blind speed skater Kevin Frost as well as this year's recipient, blind runner, Jason Dunkerley, who aspires to represent Canada at the 2008 Games in Beijing, China. For more information, visit www.tbase.com

For Media Inquiries, contact Deanna White, Media Relations
T-Base Communications
613-236-0866 Ext. 231
dwhite@tbase.com