THE NWABA BULLITON
July, 2009
Athletes honored at Second Annual Sports Banquet
On June 3rd, The Northwest Association for Blind Athletes hosted our second Annual Sports Banquet to honor the accomplishments of blind and visually impaired athletes in the Northwest that participated in our sporting programs since July 1, 2008.
The event was took place at Beaches Restaurant and Bar in Vancouver, Washington. The following athletes received awards for their excellent accomplishments both in sports and in life: Sarah Bair, Ryan Dawson, Nicholas Wilks, Andrew McDonald and Rachel Talley. Each year NWABA awards a “Male Athlete of the Year” and a “Female Athlete of the Year. This year the Board of Directors chose Andrew McDonald and Rachel Talley. Both athletes improved tremendously in their sport of choice and also gained confidence to excel in other parts of life.
JoAnn Gatley was also honored with a Board Member Recognition award for two years of volunteer service to NWABA and blind and visually impaired athletes.
Message from the Board President
I’m very excited to report that our athletes are continuing to participate in sports. On March 8th, three of our powerlifters participated in the 2009 Washington State Championships in Tumwater, Washington. Each lifter took first place in their category and the team took fifth overall! We have also launched our Goalball program for students who are blind or visually impaired in the public school system. The kick-off party for the program will take place very soon.
Along with the rest of the Board of Directors, I would like to thank everyone who has supported our sporting programs and athletes. Because of you, we are able to provide more opportunities for people who are blind and visually impaired to gain confidence and stay physically active. In the next several months, we plan to continue to grow and serve more athletes.
Please feel free contact NWABA President, Nick Wilks at 1-800-880-9837, extension 2 or nick@nwaba.org if you would like to learn more about the Northwest Association for Blind Athletes.
Yours in Sports,
Nicholas Wilks, President
Calling all Athletes!
If you are blind or visually impaired and want to compete in sports or learn ways to stay physically active, The Northwest Association for Blind Athletes is here to help you!
Here are a few ways we can help you:
If you would like to learn more about getting involved in sports, please contact Programs Director Billy Henry at 1-800-880-9837 extension 4. or via email at billy@nwaba.org
Quote on Page Two
Do not let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do.
-John Wooden
New Goalball Program for Blind Students
In September we will be launching our Goalball Program for students who are blind and visually impaired. The pilot phase for the program will begin in Washington State.
Goalball is a Paralympics sport played by athletes who are blind and visually impaired. Developed after WWII as a way to keep blinded veterans physically active, it has become the premiere team game for blind athletes. Played competitively by men and women, it is a very fast paced, physically challenging, strategic and exciting game for people who are blind.
Our plan is to demonstrate the sport to students who are enrolled in public schools. Through the sport of Goalball, we want to give students a way to stay physically active and involved in their physical education classes. If you would like to learn more about this program, please contact us.
Ways you can Help
Monetary Donations
- General - Make a general contribution to help NWABA achieve our goals.
- Restricted - Make a restricted donation to support an athlete, program or event.
- Memorial Donation - Make a donation in memory of a family member or friend.
In-kind Donations
- Equipment - Donate sports training equipment for our athletes.
- Wish List - Donate an item on our wish list. This will help re duce our operating costs.
Volunteer
-Coach - We need coaches for several of our teams. Please con tact Billy Henry for more details.
- Board Members - We need community members to help lead our organization.
Thank you to everyone for your support of our athletes. We are only able to enrich lives and make a difference because of you!
Athlete Profile…Sarah Bair
Sarah is 16 years old, she attends the Washington State School for the Blind and Hudson’s Bay High School in Vancouver, Washington. Sarah competes in Goalball and Powerlifting. On July 8th, she will be participating in the 2009 International Blind Sports Federations World Powerlifting Championships in Miami, Florida. In the future Sarah would like to continue to participate in Goalball and Powerlifting
Quote on Page Three
"With confidence, you have won even before you have started."
--Marcus Garvey
A look at our Mission and Vision
Our Mission…
To provide opportunities for blind and visually impaired persons to become engaged in physical activity and sports. We will provide scholarships and host events to build confidence and physical fitness. The confidence gained from sports will inspire athletes to follow their dreams in life and in sports.
Our Vision…
To offer athletic opportunities to all blind and visually impaired athletes in Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Montana.
The Northwest Association for Blind Athletes provides opportunities for athletes in Powerlifting, Goalball, Judo, Swimming, Track and Field, Skiing, Wrestling and Tandem Cycling
The Northwest Association for Blind Athletes
is a 501(c)(3) Charitable Organization.
Return Address Information
Northwest Association for Blind Athletes
PO Box 65265
Vancouver, WA 98665-0009
Ph: 1-800-800-9837 Fx: 1-800-800-9837