Mr Webb

Tony lost his sight when he was three years old and is now president of the Cornwall Rowing Association for the Blind. Crews from his Association regularly compete against sighted crews in Cornish Pilot Gig regattas in the South West of England, this includes the world Championships held annually on the Scilly Isles. Pilot gig rowing is an extremely inclusive community based sport performed mainly on the open sea and so this also involves battling against the possibly adverse weather and sea conditions prevailing at the time. In spite of their disabilities the crews from CRAB perform competitively. Tony's mantra is 'if we can do it anyone can'. I would like to propose that the Flame is carried by Tony on a pilot gig rowed by a blind crew through Bristol Harbour in the very centre of the City . This would give not only the sport some great exposure but also that of his Association and hopefully give some further inspiration to others as to the joy and power of sport and its capacity to change lives. In my capacity as chairman of Bristol Pilot Gig Club I frequently find inspiration from the efforts of Tony's crews and I know that many others do as well. I feel that for Tony to carry the Olympic Flame in this way would not only recognise the courage and commitment of these rowers but will provide a bigger stage from where their great qualities will be apparent to thousands.