Friday, May 5, 2017

MOBALE Spring 2017 Newsletter



  MAINE ORGANIZATION for BLIND ATHLETIC and LEADERSHIP EDUCATION

VOL 1 No. 2 - April, 2017, www.mobale.org

WINTER SPORTS CAMP 2017

On February 12-15, Sugarloaf Mountain Resort played host to five MOBALE athletes with visual impairments at the annual Winter Sports Education Camp. With a big storm forecast, several athletes were unable to make the trip, but those who did, participated in a flurry of snowy sports including alpine and Nordic skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing and ice skating. Athletic days were followed by evenings at the fireside getting to know each other, laughing together and learning about maintaining a healthy lifestyle through eating right and exercise. Guest speaker, Randy Pierce, an accomplished mountain climber from New Hampshire, founder of 20/20 Vision Quest, inspired athletes and volunteers with his message of not letting a disability be an obstacle to living a full and active life.
CONGRATULATIONS to the four MOBALE athletes who placed 1, 3, 4, and 6 placed in the ladies division of the NEVI ski fest (New England Visually Impaired) downhill ski competition. We also had one medalist in snowshoeing.
APPRECIATION: Thanks to the MOBALE board and volunteers, both up-front and behind the scenes, who made this camp possible. Also to Sugarloaf staff, the Adaptive Outdoor Education Center, Maine DBVI, and  POLAND SPRINGS for its generous donation and… to Mother Nature for the SNOW!

ANNUAL MEETING AND ELECTIONS

MOBALE elected a new board of directors in February. We are looking forward to an exciting year with new President, John McMahon, at the helm, ably assisted by Lindsay Ball, VP, Amber Mooney, Secretary and Kim Stumph, Treasurer. They will be supported by board members Michelle Mason, Nick Giudice and Jim Phipps.There are 2 vacant positions for which you may send a letter of interest to President John McMahon, email: jspirit12@myfairpoint.net.
 Thanks to out-going board members, Michelle Mason and Aisha Hixon for inspiring us through all your hard work to make MOBALE a viable, thriving and FUN organization!

SUPPORT FOR MOBALE ATHLETES AND PROGRAMS

WHY HAVE  A SPECIAL SPORTS EDUCATION CAMP FOR VISUALLY IMPAIRED ATHLETES?
Most basic motor skills are first developed by observing and modeling the movements of others. Interest In sports comes from watching them live or on TV. This puts visually impaired youth at a disadvantage not only in developing motor skills but even in learning about what sports are. The SEC is an alternative model of providing skill instruction in a structured manner for youth who are blind or have low vision. The goal is that once the skills are learned, these youth may be included in community programs. Athletes also learn how to adapt sports to their individual needs.
MOBALE is proud to be able to provide a quality sports education program to visually impaired athletes from all over New England for a nominal fee. HOW IS THAT POSSIBLE? Our funding comes from corporate and individual sponsors and donations, and fundraising efforts.
HOW CAN YOU HELP? You may sign up to volunteer you time and/or talents or donate using PAY PAL by visiting our website. We also have begun to partner with Hannaford CLYNK, bottle return.  Contact Michelle at 207-208-6354 for labels.
SUMMER SPORTS EDUCATION CAMP    June 21-24, Waterville, Maine
Planning is well underway for our 2017 summer camp that will be filled with a wide variety of fun activities and sports for youth in grades 3-12 of all skill levels. Learn something new or advance your skill and knowledge by downloading registration forms on our website. VOLUNTEERS are needed and you may also register on the website.

GET IN TOUCH WITH MOBALE…. LIKE US on FACEBOOK:
https://www.facebook.com/MOBALEMaine/    WEBSITE: www.mobale.org


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