Friday, August 2, 2013

Rowan's Blue Hole Dive Photos!

Dive Instructor John Searle hands Rowan and his Dive Team
their PADI Open Water Dive Cards after
the 60-foot dive at the Great Blue Hole!

What an adventure it was diving the Great Blue Hole! We would like to share the wonderful event with our fans and followers, supporters and donors, via our Photo Album!

You can still donate to help us reach our $100,000 as we are still only halfway.

Bring your contribution to any BCVI Clinic countrywide, direct deposit to Belize Bank 71096, donate online at www.bcvi.org or via our BCVI Foundation in the US c/o Thomas Angell - Jacobs, Burns, Orlove & Hernandez - 150 North Michigan Avenue, Suit 1000 - Chilcago, IL 60601

Thank you to everyone who made this Journey possible!
Special Thanks to our Platinum & Gold Sponsors:
SeaSports Belize, SMART Belize, Belize Tourism Board, Belize Audubon Society, Ramon's Village Resort, Ambergris Divers, ZITRO Western Union, ZITRO International Limited, OZ Tours, Chabil Mar Resort in Placencia, Splash Dive Shop, Hospital Auxiliary, G.A. Roe & Sons, Captain Morgan's Retreat, Musa & Balderamos, Dr. David Boes, Said & Joan Musa, Gigi Habet & Family, Roberto Robles, Caribbean Treasures, CASIO Logosease and JICA, Fabrigas, BNE Trust, BNE, SOL, Atlantic Group of Companies, James Brodie & Co Ltd, Edward & Rose Musa, Germaine Habet, Belize Bank, McNab Designs & Dots Per Inch Ltd, Simon Quan and M N M Hardware!


Friday, July 26, 2013

Wednesday, July 24, 2013

Our Journey ... So Far ....

We are all excited for the Blue Hole Dive this Friday and thank you all for your support and patience through this Journey. Rowan and his Dive Team completed certification on Friday July 12th and are ready to go! Help BCVI support Belizeans who are blind at www.bcvi.org!

Our Journey to the Blue Hole ... So Far....




Thank you to everyone who is making this Journey possible!
Special Thanks to our Gold Sponsors:
SeaSports Belize, SMART Belize, Belize Tourism Board, Belize Audubon Society, Ambergris Divers, ZITRO Western Union, ZITRO International Limited, OZ Tours, Chabil Mar Resort in Placencia, Splash Dive Shop, Hospital Auxiliary, G.A. Roe & Sons, Captain Morgan's Retreat, Belize Audubon Society, Musa & Balderamos, Dr. David Boes, Said & Joan Musa, Caribbean Treasures, CASIO Logosease and JICA, Ramon's Village Resort, Fabrigas, BNE Trust, BNE, SOL, Atlantic Group of Companies, James Brodie & Co Ltd, Edward & Rose Musa, Germaine Habet, Belize Bank, McNab Designs & Dots Per Inch Ltd, Simon Quan and M N M Hardware!

Monday, July 22, 2013

Belize Tourism Board

Thank you to the Belize Tourism Board for their very generous contribution toward Rowan's Blue Hole Dive and BCVI's Rehabilitation and Education Program! All donations will go toward providing services, support and equipment to the 1,200+ people on BCVI's Blind register living throughout Belize.

Make a change today! Donate to the children of Belize who are blind or visually impaired www.bcvi.org!

And don't forget to vote for Belize's Great Blue Hole as the 8th Wonder of the World!


Thank you to everyone who is making this Journey possible!
Special Thanks to our Gold Sponsors:
SeaSports Belize, SMART Belize, Belize Tourism Board, Belize Audubon Society, Ambergris Divers, ZITRO Western Union, ZITRO International Limited, OZ Tours, Chabil Mar Resort in Placencia, Splash Dive Shop, Hospital Auxiliary, G.A. Roe & Sons, Captain Morgan's Retreat, Belize Audubon Society, Musa & Balderamos, Dr. David Boes, Said & Joan Musa, Caribbean Treasures, CASIO Logosease and JICA, Ramon's Village Resort, Fabrigas, BNE Trust, BNE, SOL, Atlantic Group of Companies, James Brodie & Co Ltd, Edward & Rose Musa, Germaine Habet, Belize Bank, McNab Designs & Dots Per Inch Ltd, Simon Quan and M N M Hardware!

Thursday, July 18, 2013

Ears to Our World donates to Belize's Blind Children

BCVI would like to thank Thomas Witherspoon and Ears to Our World for their very generous donation of short wave radios for the children at BCVIs Summer Camp! These wind-up radios are able to pick up stations across the world, including the USA, and are an excellent source of information, education and entertainment. Make your contribution today at www.bcvi.org!



Stay tuned for the announcement of the new date for BCVI's and Rowan's Blue Hole Dive!


Tuesday, July 16, 2013

Funds raised to date ... Please donate today!

Although we have not set a new date yet for Rowan's Blue Hole Dive, we know there is still much work to be done to help Row achieve his $100,000 goal, as we are not even halfway there yet!

Please help BCVI keep its services alive so that we may continue to serve the people of Belize who are blind or visually impaired!

Donate at BCVI's office on Princess Margaret Drive, online at www.bcvi.org or via direct deposit at Belize Bank Account # 71096.


Wednesday, July 10, 2013

Amber Sunsets and Beautiful Seas Vacation Package


Pier at Chabil Mar

Chabil Mar Resort in Placencia and Amber Sunset Jungle Resort in Cayo have just launched their newest vacation package "Amber Sunsets and Beautiful Seas!" 

The package includes 7-night Belize Jungle and Sea Package at two luxury boutique resorts Amber Sunset Jungle Resort (Inland at Cayo, Belize) and Chabil Mar Resort (Seaside at Placencia Village, Belize) - with your choice of 3 and/or 4 night stays at either resort! Includes all in-country transportation between airports and resort, meals and tours as listed on the Vacation Package Site Page

So, visit Belize, book your Amber Sunsets and Beautiful Seas Vacation Package and help Belizeans who are blind to live meaningful and independent lives!

Our sincerest thanks go out to the Teams at both resorts that put this together!




Tuesday, July 9, 2013

Rowan makes friends on the Sea Floor!

One week before his Blue Hole Dive, Rowan's Open Water Practice Dive at South Gallows Point was the setting for this beautiful meet and greet! Thank you to those who have gotten us this far and to those of you who are following, please help Row reach his $100,000 goal! www.bcvi.org 


Thank you to everyone who is making this Journey possible!
Special Thanks to our Gold Sponsors:
SeaSports Belize, Belize Audubon Society, ZITRO Western Union, ZITRO International Limited, OZ Tours, SMART Belize, Chabil Mar Resort in Placencia, Splash Dive Shop, Hospital Auxiliary, Belize Audubon Society, Musa & Balderamos, Dr. David Boes, Caribbean Treasures, CASIO Japan, Logosease and JICA, Ramon's Village Resort, Fabrigas, BNE Trust, BNE, SOL, Atlantic Group of Companies, James Brodie & Co Ltd, Edward & Rose Musa, Germaine Habet, Belize Bank, McNab Designs & Dots Per Inch Ltd, Simon Quan and M N M Hardware!

Monday, July 8, 2013

Ramon's Village Resort

Thank you to one of our biggest sponsors Ramon's Village Resort in San Pedro! 

You can be a part of Row's extraordinary adventure by making a donation at www.bcvi.org

Friday, July 5, 2013

Talking underwater?!

That's what Rowan and Dive Instructor John Searle are now able to do thanks to a very generous contribution from the Casio Company and Logosease in Japan with the help of Ms Noriko Takemae of the JICA Belize Office! Row is one of the first people to get his hands on this underwater communication device and we are so excited to try it out! Stay tuned to find out more about how this awesome piece of equipment operates!




Thank you to everyone who is making this Journey possible!
Special Thanks to our Gold Sponsors:
SeaSports Belize, ZITRO Western Union, ZITRO International Limited, OZ Tours, SMART Belize, Chabil Mar Resort in Placencia, Dr. David Boes, Caribbean Treasures, CASIO Japan, Logosease and JICA, Ramon's Village Resort, Fabrigas, BNE Trust, BNE, SOL, Atlantic Group of Companies, James Brodie & Co Ltd, Germaine Habet, Belize Bank and McNab Designs & Dots Per Inch Ltd!

Thursday, July 4, 2013

Be a part of this Historic Event!

Thanks to Caribbean Treasures, you can now be a part of Rowan's Dive, with your very own Blue Hole Dive T-Shirt - Now Available for only $15.00 at BCVI's Clinic on Princess Margaret Drive! All proceeds will go toward Rowan's goal of $100,000 to support Belizeans who are blind. Call 223.2636 for more information.

www.bcvi.org


Tuesday, July 2, 2013

Row's First Dive Log!

After two amazing sessions over the weekend, Rowan and the team had to log our first open water dives, including what we saw underwater! We also had to take photos to be sent to PADI for our Diver's Cards, which we should get once we've completed the course and practices. Our next dives are scheduled for some time this week, providing this Tropical Storm clears up! :)



Rowan's First Dive Log!

Rowan taking his photo for his PADI ID!

Thank you to all our donors and sponsors so far! Special Mention to our Gold Sponsors:
SeaSports Belize, ZITRO Western Union, ZITRO International Limited, OZ Tours, SMART Belize, Chabil Mar Resort in Placencia, Dr. David Boes, Caribbean Treasures, CASIO Japan and JICA, Ramon's Village Resort, Fabrigas, BNE Trust, BNE, SOL, Atlantic Group of Companies, Belize Bank and McNab Designs & Dots Per Inch Ltd!!

Monday, July 1, 2013

Rowan's First Backroll!

On Sunday June 30th, SeaSports Belize took Rowan out on his first Open Water Dive - complete with a James Bond entry into the water! It is amazing how comfortable he is taking on each challenge as it comes, without hesitation! This is a true example of how nothing can, or should, get in the way of something you want to achieve, despite limited abilities.

Row has been an inspiration to us all as he has taken on the challenge annually to help raise funds for BCVI, the only non-profit organization that provides support to all Belizeans who are blind or visually impaired. Row has been with BCVI since childhood.

You can help Row reach his $100,000 goal by making a contribution at www.bcvi.org. Rowan said it best, "No donation is too big, or too small!" 



Thank you to everyone who has contributed so far! Special mention goes to our Gold Sponsors:
SeaSports Belize, ZITRO Western Union, ZITRO International Limited, OZ Tours, SMART, Dr. David Boes, Ramon's Village Resort, Chabil Mar Resort in Placencia, Fabrigas, BNE Trust, BNE, SOL, Atlantic Group of Companies, Belize Bank and McNab Designs & Dots Per Inch Ltd!

Sunday, June 30, 2013

Two dives completed!

What A Day!!!! We were so lucky to have such amazing weather and such dedicated dive instructors! Two dives in one day and so much underwater exploring! SeaSports got some awesome underwater photos and can't wait to share them with you! 

First Open Water Dive!

Rowan and the team are on our first open water dive today and we are told it's the most beautiful day ever! So far we've seen starfish, fighting conchs, sting rays and a manatee! And that was in the shallow part! It's been amazing! Off to the deep now!

Friday, June 28, 2013

Rowan: Super Kind and Super Intelligent!

Today is report card day in Belize City for most schools and Rowan received his card for his first year at Belize High School with a 3.89 cumulative GPA! Needless to say we are beyond proud of him for accomplishing so much!

With support from his family, teachers and BCVIs Rehabilitation Field Officers, Rowan got through his first year of high school, with outstanding grades! You can help make this possible for other children by donating to BCVI's Rehabilitation and Education Program, the only one of its kind in Belize that provides free support to children who are blind.

Donate



Row's Report Card! 3.99 Semester GPA and 3.89 Cumulative!

Thursday, June 27, 2013

Luxury Resort in Belize Supports Rowan's Dive!

Chabil Mar Resort in Placencia Belize issued a moving Press Release on Rowan, his journey and his cause. We thank them for helping spread awareness!

Donate to Rowan and the other visually impaired children of Belize at www.bcvi.org!

http://www.prweb.com/releases/2013/6/prweb10869148.htm

BCVI Summer Campers enjoying a private tour of the World Renowned Belize Zoo
July 2012

Tuesday, June 25, 2013

Just two weeks ....

Hi guys! We are less than three weeks away from Rowan and BCVI's Blue Hole Dive! There is still time to make your contribution - big or small - at www.bcvi.org toward our $100,000 goal!

Thank you to everyone who as contributed!

Special Mention Goes to our Gold Sponsors:
SeaSports Belize
ZITRO Western Union
ZITRO International Limited
OZ Tours
Dr David Boes
Ramon's Village Resort
Fabrigas
BNE & BNE Trust
SOL
Atlantic Group of Companies
Belize Bank
McNab Designs & Dots Per Inch


Sunday, June 9, 2013

First Pool Dive!

Today was the first day we all got into a confined water dive since completing the necessary PADI e-learning sections. Rowan was accompanied by his older sister Aesha and Carla Ayres Musa of BCVI along with SeaSports Belize Dive Instructors John and Linda Searle.

Rowan with his Gear!


Row was a natural in the water! We learned how to assemble our gear, practiced some under water signals and techniques - the most difficult being intentionally flooding our masks and removing them ... UNDERWATER! 

Row and his group at the bottom


We are so thankful to SeaSports Belize and John and Linda Searle for taking the time to help us and for being so patient in adapting and teaching Rowan everything he needs to know!

We can't wait to get back in!

Don't forget Row is going through all this not just for fun, but to help BCVI - the only nonprofit organization in Belize that supports children ( and adults ) who are blind. Your contribution will help BCVIs services alive! So make a donation today! It's super easy!

Direct Deposit to Belize Bank Account
71096

Via PayPal through www.bcvi.org

And continue to follow us for updates leading up to our dive of the Great Blue Hole on July 14th!

Left to Right: Carla, Aesha, John, Rowan and fellow dive student Elizabeth - who joined us for the practice.

Wednesday, June 5, 2013

What is Rowan doing today for his birthday?

All he wants for his big 15th birthday is a special cake, homemade by his Mother, the recipe which was passed down from his grandfather, some Arab food for lunch and a new Kindle :)

Happy Birthday to the Bravest 15 Year Old We Know!

Happy Birthday to our Hero - Row!

Rowan's first Fundraiser Challenge -
Climbing Victoria Peak
2011
If you would like to support Rowan, you can do so in several secure ways:
1. Through our easy, fast and safe PayPal Account
2. directly to the BCVI Foundation a 501 (c) 3 organization in the USA
c/o Thomas J Angell
Jacobs, Burns, Orlove & Hernandez

150 North Michigan Avenue Suite 1000
Chicago, IL 60601
USA
3. Directly to BCVI's Belize Bank Account #71096
4. or send donations to BCVI PO Box 525 Belize City, Belize 

Monday, June 3, 2013

PADI & Sea Sports Belize

So, Rowan and BCVI are all signed up for the PADI e-learning course and on our way to being certified! There is a lot to take in, and we cannot wait to actually start our open water practice dives! Thanks to Sea Sports Belize and our dive instructor John Searle, Rowan is in excellent hands. John has already started adapting the scuba gear to suit Rowan's needs. Look out for us in the water!


Friday, May 31, 2013

Row's First Video Message to His Fans


Rowan hopes the awareness and support from his Blue Hole Dive will bring funds to BCVI to help support the blind children of Belize with much-needed equipment, supplies and community based rehabilitation.

Help Row reach his goal by making your contribution via our safe and secure PayPal account, BCVI Foundation or Direct Deposit!

Thursday, May 30, 2013

Rowan will dive to help Belize's children who are blind

It's easier than ever to help Row as he prepares to Dive Belize's Blue Hole on July 14th!



Donate via PayPal

or Send your check to:

BCVI Foundation
Thomas J. Angell
Jacobs, Burns, Orlove & Hernandez
150 North Michigan Avenue, Suite 1000
Chicago, IL 60601


Local contributions can be sent directly to
Belize Bank Account # 71096
or
BCVI
PO Box 525
Belize City, Belize
Phone: 203.5206


Thursday, May 23, 2013

Newsworthy Dive!

Rowan's story is sweeping the nation as everyone is getting wind of his next Big Adventure - Diving Belize's Blue Hole! He will be the first blind person to dive this site, one of the world's top locations for certified divers! Watch the Official Announcement on Channel 5's Open Your Eyes, and hear his interviews with the local media!

Open Your Eyes http://vimeo.com/66696825 and Channel 5 News http://vimeo.com/66871314

William & Marleni Reveal Rowan's next Big Adventure with Row,
John Searle (PADI-certified instructor) and Carla Ayres Musa (BCVI) on OYE.

http://www.7newsbelize.com/sstory.php?nid=25599&frmsrch=1

Rowan is interviewed by Belize;s Channel 7 News Team!


Wednesday, May 22, 2013

Row's First Pool Dive

Before Rowan made the decision to get certified to dive Belize's Blue Hole, he wanted to know what it would feel like to be in the water with all the gear on. As someone who has been blind since birth, Row depends a great deal on his sense of touch to get around (which includes the floor!) So, taking on this adventure is understandably nerve-wracking at first.

However, family friend and PADI-certified instructor John Searle, got Row acquainted with the equipment and, using a more controlled environment than the big open sea, got him into the water with all his gear on.

Rowan's reaction? "I loved it! I love the feeling of weightlessness in the water!"

This Ambassador for Sight, and his team, now have to get certified through a series of e-courses and practical tests before July 14th!

Please show your support of Rowan and other children who are blind by making a contribution to BCVI
Belize Bank Account 71096
or
BCVI
PO Box 525
Belize City, Belize


Rowan examines his mask and snorkel before his first time in the water with all his gear on.

Rowan Dives Into Belize's Blue Hole!


Everyone's been asking: What will Rowan do next? He reached the summit of Belize's tallest mountain -Victoria Peak, and walked 92 miles across the country - all in the hopes of raising awareness and increasing support for the visually impaired and blind children in BCVI's Rehabilitation Program.

So, for Row it seemed only fitting to go "down" ... and since we boast one of the world's most popular diving sites, scuba diving in Belize's Blue Hole seemed like the most fitting option.

Starting on May 21st, we will capture his journey: from fitting his gear for the first time, to training with certified PADI scuba instructor, John Searle and the final dive at the Blue Hole. Join Row, his family and BCVI, as we demonstrate that, with support, the possibilities are limitless!