Skip to content

Who We Are

Founded in 2007, Northwest Association for Blind Athletes is a national leader dedicated to improving the quality of life for children, youth, and adults through participation in sports and physical activity in communities across Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Montana.

Enriching Lives. Providing Opportunities

NWABA’s programs and services serve individuals of all ages and abilities who are blind and visually impaired. 

Our programs offer opportunities in 15+ sports, from teaching children to swim for the first time to providing week-long residential camp experiences.

2,200

Program and Service Hours Delivered

250+

Pieces of Equipmet Available To Lend Through Sports Adaptations Library

300

300 Volunteers Across Washington, Oregon, Idaho And Montana

MISSION

To provide life-changing opportunities through sports and physical activity to individuals who are blind and visually impaired.

VISION

To be the national leader in transforming the quality of life for all individuals who are blind and visually impaired through participation in sports and physical activity.

VALUES

icon/arrow copy 2

Empower People

We champion potential and empower people to turn their ambitions into reality.

icon/arrow copy

Grow Boldly

We are committed to cultivating opportunities for individual and organizational growth.

icon/arrow copy 3

Be Transparent

We operate with full transparency, bringing honesty, and integrity to everything we do.

icon/arrow copy 4

Be Inclusive

We welcome, serve, and support all people with dignity and respect.

icon/arrow copy

Strive for Excellence

We bring steadfast determination in pursuit of our mission and our goals.

DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION COMMITMENT​

Northwest Association for Blind Athletes welcomes, serves, and supports all people with dignity and respect. To fulfill our mission of providing life-changing opportunities through sports and physical activity to individuals who are blind or visually impaired, it is imperative that NWABA’s athletes, volunteers, leadership, and employees reflect the rich landscape of our populations. We work tirelessly to ensure that our athletes have equitable access to sports, physical activity, and essential programs. By respecting and including everyone, we will benefit from a mix of ideas, perspectives, and life experiences in all areas of our work to help us achieve our goals and to fulfill our mission.

Billy Henry

A message from our founder, president & CEO

Dear Friends,

Northwest Association for Blind Athletes (NWABA) was born out of need when six teenagers (myself and five friends), who wanted to participate in powerlifting and feel included. So, in 2007, I founded NWABA and we started training. 

Since then, our team has worked tirelessly to deliver on that vision. Together, we have diversified NWABA to expand our programs to offer 15 different sports, we’ve scaled our impact across several areas, and we’ve built a lending library of equipment and educational videos to make activities accessible. We’ve made significant strides and we aren’t slowing down. Our programs don’t just provide opportunities for sports—they serve as a catalyst for an improved quality of life. They empower participants to break down barriers while building the confidence, friendships and independence needed to lead fuller lives. And that’s something worth working for.

With heartfelt appreciation, 

Billy Henry
Founder, President/CEO
Northwest Association for Blind Athletes

Our Team

Meet the people who are the backbone of NWABA and keep this organization moving forward.

Our Board

We are honored to be guided by a group of community leaders who work tirelessly to enhance and expand NWABA’s programming and services throughout our region.

Financial Transparency

NWABA operates with full transparency as we become the national leader in transforming the quality of life for all individuals, who are blind and visually impaired through participation in sports and physical activity.

Donate

Your gift today will transform the life of an individual who is blind or visually impaired. Donate now to fuel NWABA’s programs and services.