Each Thursday we want to put the spotlight on a person involved with goalball – from players, officials to coaches, or anyone!
Each Thursday we want to put the spotlight on a person involved with goalball – from players, officials to coaches, or anyone!We want to use our online platforms so the Goalball Family can get to know each other a bit better ahead of getting back on the court and playing our sport again!
This week we caught up with Tom Evison!
What club do you play for or coach?
I coach Junior and Novice players at Winchester Goalball Club.
How did you discover goalball?
In 2011 I signed up to be a Games Maker at the 2012 Olympics, but my teaching at the time didn’t fit with the training programme, so I had to bow out. However, after the Games I was invited to become a Sports Maker, helping with the Legacy project. Having completed the training, I was invited by Hampshire & Isle of Wight co-ordinators to help out with a newly formed club in Winchester. I’d seen goalball in the Copper Box at the Paralympics. At the time I was also a Primary School teacher and this seemed to fit my idea of breaking away from teaching the mainstream sports like football, rugby, cricket, netball, etc. Here was a sport that I could coach to visually impaired people and my regular class. In my first season (2013) I was both novice coach and player. I’m sure that there are plenty of pictures to confirm how bad at playing I was!
Is there a particular song, artist or genre that you listen to before a tournament to get in the mood? Or anything you’re loving at the moment?
Depeche Mode. I’ve been a serious fan since I first saw them in 1980. I’ve seen them across Europe and spent a small fortune on records, tapes, CD’s and memorabilia. My favourite track would be the little known, ‘Only When I Lose Myself’.
Do you have any superstitions or rituals?
The Art of Quiet Questions and Silent Answers.
What is your favourite meal?
Slow-cooked pulled gammon in cider, Thai-spiced sweet potato wedges, fresh veggies and a decent craft beer.
Which goalball player do you admire the most and why?
Currently, Captain Sir Tom Moore, because of what he epitomised. An attitude of doing his own thing, his own way, with little fuss or bother; but the charm and wit to galvanise others to take action for themselves and each other.
Outside of goalball, what other hobbies/sports do you do?
I genuinely love my job in School Admissions, but I’m first and foremost a runner. I run 100m and 200m for Andover Athletic Club (where I’m also Chairman) plus 5k, 10k, half marathon and ultra marathons. I like the bling!
Finally, what place, anywhere in the world, is on your bucket list to visit and why?
Napier, North Island, New Zealand. A slower pace of life, Art Deco architecture, great food and some of the best beer (and wine) in the world.
