The Northwest Association for Blind Athletes (NWABA) proudly participated in the annual Treasure Valley Triathlon on Saturday, June 22, 2024. Despite the sweltering 100-degree weather, our athletes demonstrated resilience and determination, making this event a remarkable success.
This year, ten NWABA athletes, who are blind and visually impaired, competed in the super sprint and sprint categories. They were joined by ten dedicated volunteers and two NWABA team members, showcasing the strength of our community and the incredible spirit of our participants. Nearly doubling last year’s participation, this event marks a significant milestone for NWABA.
One exceptional athlete/guide duo took on the more challenging sprint division. Their efforts were supported by a volunteer guide who ensured the athletes’ safety and success throughout the race.
In preparation for the triathlon, NWABA organized six comprehensive training sessions across the Treasure Valley. These sessions, tripled in number from last year, focused on enhancing guiding techniques, orientation skills, and transition strategies. Our athletes received guidance on using wetsuits and other sports equipment, ensuring they were well-prepared for race day.
The “Boise Crew,” consisting of Southwest Idaho athletes and volunteers, gathered for a mandatory logistics meeting at NWABA’s Boise office. They reviewed tactile maps of each event, discussed race day logistics, and decorated transition buckets, all while fostering a strong sense of camaraderie with a pre-race meal.
Our volunteer guides, many of whom participate in NWABA’s year-round sports programs, refined their blindness-specific skills, including using tethers, verbal descriptions, and pro-tactile sign. Their commitment and expertise significantly contributed to the athletes’ performance and overall experience.
We extend our gratitude to our partners, the YMCA and Boise Adaptive Snowsport Education (BASE), along with our sponsors—Higher Ground, TriTown Bicycles, Velocity Clinical Research, Bandanna Running and Walking, and the Boise community—for their unwavering support. Thanks to their contributions, all adaptive participants’ entry fees were waived, making this event accessible to everyone.
In addition to the triathlon, NWABA has recently partnered with the YMCA to offer discounted gym memberships to active NWABA athletes at all four Treasure Valley locations. This partnership underscores our commitment to promoting lifelong personal health and fitness for the blindness community in our region.
By highlighting the resilience and achievements of our athletes and the incredible support from our community, NWABA continues to create life-changing opportunities through sports and physical activity for individuals with visual impairments.