PHOTOS: The Paralympic experience comes to Salem

Tandem biking instructor JoJo Smyth and eighth-grader Adara cycle together at the Oregon School for the Deaf in Salem, Oct. 4, 2019. NWABA, the Northwest Association for Blind Athletes, hosted a “Paralympic experience” for students with visual impairments in the state. After the Oregon School for the Blind closed in 2009, many visually impaired students and their families lost access to state-funded resources, like sports programs. The BVIS (Blind Visually Impaired Student) Fund gives programs like NWABA funds to enhance the lives of low vision/blind children across the state.

Fifth-grader Emily practices a move on Judo World Champion, Liana Mutia, at the Oregon School for the Deaf in Salem, Oct. 4, 2019. NWABA, the Northwest Association for Blind Athletes, hosted a “Paralympic experience” for students with visual impairments in the state. After the Oregon School for the Blind closed in 2009, many visually impaired students and their families lost access to state-funded resources, like sports programs. The BVIS (Blind Visually Impaired Student) Fund gives programs like NWABA funds to enhance the lives of low vision/blind children across the state.

Luis, a 6th grader, takes a mighty kick during beep kickball at the Oregon School for the Deaf in Salem, Oct. 4, 2019. NWABA, the Northwest Association for Blind Athletes, hosted a “Paralympic experience” for students with visual impairments in the state. After the Oregon School for the Blind closed in 2009, many visually impaired students and their families lost access to state-funded resources, like sports programs. The BVIS (Blind Visually Impaired Student) Fund gives programs like NWABA funds to enhance the lives of low vision/blind children across the state.

Ella, a 7th grader, puts on the blindfold required to play beep kickball at the Oregon School for the Deaf in Salem, Oct. 4, 2019. NWABA, the Northwest Association for Blind Athletes, hosted a “Paralympic experience” for students with visual impairments in the state. After the Oregon School for the Blind closed in 2009, many visually impaired students and their families lost access to state-funded resources, like sports programs. The BVIS (Blind Visually Impaired Student) Fund gives programs like NWABA funds to enhance the lives of low vision/blind children across the state.

Tandem biking instructor Megan Ahleman and tenth-grader Jaden go for a spin at the Oregon School for the Deaf in Salem, Oct. 4, 2019. NWABA, the Northwest Association for Blind Athletes, hosted a “Paralympic experience” for students with visual impairments in the state. After the Oregon School for the Blind closed in 2009, many visually impaired students and their families lost access to state-funded resources, like sports programs. The BVIS (Blind Visually Impaired Student) Fund gives programs like NWABA funds to enhance the lives of low vision/blind children across the state.

Pasha, a 5th grader, relaxes on the field before beep kickball at the Oregon School for the Deaf in Salem, Oct. 4, 2019. NWABA, the Northwest Association for Blind Athletes, hosted a “Paralympic experience” for students with visual impairments in the state. After the Oregon School for the Blind closed in 2009, many visually impaired students and their families lost access to state-funded resources, like sports programs. The BVIS (Blind Visually Impaired Student) Fund gives programs like NWABA funds to enhance the lives of low vision/blind children across the state.

Ella, a 7th grader, raises her hand to answer a question about beep kickball at the Oregon School for the Deaf in Salem, Oct. 4, 2019. NWABA, the Northwest Association for Blind Athletes, hosted a “Paralympic experience” for students with visual impairments in the state. After the Oregon School for the Blind closed in 2009, many visually impaired students and their families lost access to state-funded resources, like sports programs. The BVIS (Blind Visually Impaired Student) Fund gives programs like NWABA funds to enhance the lives of low vision/blind children across the state.

Ruth, a 6th-grader, wears bedazzled sneakers at the Oregon School for the Deaf in Salem, Oct. 4, 2019. NWABA, the Northwest Association for Blind Athletes, hosted a “Paralympic experience” for students with visual impairments in the state. After the Oregon School for the Blind closed in 2009, many visually impaired students and their families lost access to state-funded resources, like sports programs. The BVIS (Blind Visually Impaired Student) Fund gives programs like NWABA funds to enhance the lives of low vision/blind children across the state.

Erika, a 6th grader, catches the ball during beep kickball at the Oregon School for the Deaf in Salem, Oct. 4, 2019. NWABA, the Northwest Association for Blind Athletes, hosted a “Paralympic experience” for students with visual impairments in the state. After the Oregon School for the Blind closed in 2009, many visually impaired students and their families lost access to state-funded resources, like sports programs. The BVIS (Blind Visually Impaired Student) Fund gives programs like NWABA funds to enhance the lives of low vision/blind children across the state.

Peter, a 6th grader, holds onto the base during beep kickball at the Oregon School for the Deaf in Salem, Oct. 4, 2019. NWABA, the Northwest Association for Blind Athletes, hosted a “Paralympic experience” for students with visual impairments in the state. After the Oregon School for the Blind closed in 2009, many visually impaired students and their families lost access to state-funded resources, like sports programs. The BVIS (Blind Visually Impaired Student) Fund gives programs like NWABA funds to enhance the lives of low vision/blind children across the state.

Pasha, a 5th grader, and Kristin prepare for judo practice at the Oregon School for the Deaf in Salem, Oct. 4, 2019. NWABA, the Northwest Association for Blind Athletes, hosted a “Paralympic experience” for students with visual impairments in the state. After the Oregon School for the Blind closed in 2009, many visually impaired students and their families lost access to state-funded resources, like sports programs. The BVIS (Blind Visually Impaired Student) Fund gives programs like NWABA funds to enhance the lives of low vision/blind children across the state.

Ellen, in 7th grade, and Ruth, in 6th, talk to a beep kickball instructor at the Oregon School for the Deaf in Salem, Oct. 4, 2019. NWABA, the Northwest Association for Blind Athletes, hosted a “Paralympic experience” for students with visual impairments in the state. After the Oregon School for the Blind closed in 2009, many visually impaired students and their families lost access to state-funded resources, like sports programs. The BVIS (Blind Visually Impaired Student) Fund gives programs like NWABA funds to enhance the lives of low vision/blind children across the state.

Elwin, a 7th grader, catches the ball during beep kickball at the Oregon School for the Deaf in Salem, Oct. 4, 2019. NWABA, the Northwest Association for Blind Athletes, hosted a “Paralympic experience” for students with visual impairments in the state. After the Oregon School for the Blind closed in 2009, many visually impaired students and their families lost access to state-funded resources, like sports programs. The BVIS (Blind Visually Impaired Student) Fund gives programs like NWABA funds to enhance the lives of low vision/blind children across the state.

Ron Hawthorne, a Judo Paralympian and Liana Mutia, a Judo World Champion, teach students judo at the Oregon School for the Deaf in Salem, Oct. 4, 2019. NWABA, the Northwest Association for Blind Athletes, hosted a “Paralympic experience” for students with visual impairments in the state. After the Oregon School for the Blind closed in 2009, many visually impaired students and their families lost access to state-funded resources, like sports programs. The BVIS (Blind Visually Impaired Student) Fund gives programs like NWABA funds to enhance the lives of low vision/blind children across the state.