SPRING - 2019 Visually Impaired ATHLETES
say…
GOODBYE
WINTER, HELLO SUMMER!
Newsletter: Vol. 3, No. 1 – April, 2019
WINTER SPORTS EDUCATION CAMP - “SNOW” MUCH FUN FOR VISUALLY IMPAIRED
ATHLETES 2019
brought northern New England record amounts of the white stuff and MOBALE blind
and visually impaired youth athletes took advantage of it! The Winter Sports
Education Camp (WSEC) was held February 10-13 at Sugarloaf Mountain in
Carrabasset Valley, Maine. Four athletes and one counselor-in-training attended
and participated in the sports of skiing, snowboarding, rock-climbing and, a
new sport for the WSEC, ice hockey, which garnered a thumbs up from everyone. CONGRATUALTIONS to athletes, C-Jay
Martin and Mason Carlow, who earned first place in their alpine ski/snowboard
events and Courtney Skillin, who came away with 4th place in the
2-Trac guided and unassisted event. It should be noted that the post-test results
showed a 5-40% increase in athletes’ knowledge and skills. As with all MOBALE
camps, the althletes also gained valuable experience in life skills of
self-help, orientation and mobility, and social interactions with adults and
peers. THANK YOU to all the VOLUNTEERS who helped to organize, teach and
supervise this event. SPECIAL THANKS go to WSEC coordinator, KIM STUMPH, who is
stepping down after being at the helm for 3 years. Kim has the ability to be a
strong and capable leader, while maintaining her composure and sense of humor.
We will miss her.
SUMMER IS ON THE HORIZON as
MOBALE staff work hard to get ready for 2019 SUMMER CAMP June 19-22 in Waterville,
Maine. We are happy to announce that Camp Tracy and the Alfond Center will
offer both outdoor and indoor sports from gymnastics, swimming, wrestling,
archery, track and field, to name a few. Also returning for a second year will
be a sport introduced last summer, a big hit with all the athletes, beep
soccer. For more information about summer SEC or to REGISTER AN ATHLETE visit our website www.MOBALE.org
“V” IS FOR VALUABLE
- Volunteers make MOBALE possible
“If
you enjoy sport, in combination with supporting and seeing young individuals
grow, then simply jump in!” So says James Howard, Vocational Rehabilitation
Counselor for the Maine Division for the Blind and Visually Impaired and rookie volunteer at the 2018 summer SEC. “I’ve played and coached
soccer over 35 years and lessons learned on commitment to the team, technical
learning and sportsmanship are life’s building blocks. As a rehab professional,
the benefits of participating in sports are vital.” In his profession, James
encounters visually impaired individuals seeking gainful employment. With
unemployment for this population over 50%, James knows that the most successful
clients are those who have foundational life and work skills, self-confidence
and perseverance to take on the challenge of competing in the job market. James
was impressed with MOBALE’s program and when asked if he would consider
volunteering again, he answered, “Absolutely! It was amazing to see so much
growth in the athletes both technically and personally in such a short period
of time.”
“V”
IS FOR VOLUNTEER
- As a volunteer for the 2019 Summer SEC,
you will make it possible to provide a valuable experience for blind and
visually impaired athletes to learn and participate in sports in a way that is
designed to address their unique needs. But that is only half the story – you
will also gain a valuable experience in the satisfaction of seeing the growth
and development of these young athletes. WE NEED YOU if you are a responsible adult, like
sports, like kids and believe that all youth, no matter what disability they
may have, deserve an opportunity to join in the fun and rewarding experiences
that sport can offer. For more information and to REGISTER TO VOLUNTEER for summer camp, visit our website www.MOBALE.org
MANY WAYS TO CONTRIBUTE:
YOU can help MOBALE continue to
offer sports education camps…
*MOBALE
partners with Hannaford CLYNK, bottle return.
Contact Michelle at 207-208-6354 for labels.
*Quick and easy
donations can be made online with PAYPAL: https://www.paypal.me/MobaleT
*Send a check to: MOBALE SPORTS - 225 Chase Rd. -
Readfield, MAINE - 04355
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IN TOUCH WITH MOBALE….
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WEBSITE:
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MobaleSports@gmail.com
