JOHN E. BOES

John Boes, a longtime president of the Michigan Blind Athletes Association, began his career as a competitive runner in 1981, participating in a wide variety of road races, including numerous marathon and triathalon competitions. In 1995, Boes was one of the few blind runners to compete in the Boston Marathon, and he was among the elite group of athletes to finish that grueling race. In addition to running, Boes demonstrated great skill in a variety of other sports such as swimming, tandem cycling, and cross country skiing. Boes found ways in which to utilize his expertise as an athlete to assist others. Boes has been a teacher and counselor at the Michigan Commission for the Blind Training Center, and a frequent guest speaker at local clubs, schools and church groups, educating adults and children regarding blindness and sports. He is a past Chairman of the Portage Human Resources Board and has served on the Portage Child Abuse Task Force.