Northwest Association for Blind Athletes was excited to premier two new winter sports experiences in Boise and the Puget Sound areas.
Our athletes in the Puget Sound area laced up their ice skates as NWABA partnered with Sprinker Recreation Center in Tacoma for our first ice skating experience. To prep for the big day, our Puget Sound team met with Sprinker to discuss any necessary adaptions or modifications such as the use of artist figurines and skate walkers, turning down the lights, and having the coaches wear visibility vests. Their in-house skating professionals added to the experience by offering tips and teaching techniques to our thirteen athletes and twelve volunteers in attendance.
Our Boise athletes were swept off their feet at our first ever curling experience at Idaho Ice World. Partnering with the Boise Curling Club our athletes started by exploring each piece of equipment with their hands before entering the ice. Verbal cues and physical guidance were used to help the athletes learn about form and body positioning. Our team used sound sources for the athletes to locate the target and also a Wheatley Tactile Board to help them understand where the existing stones were, and to strategize their next shot. We had twelve volunteers and thirteen athletes in attendance, six of which were members of the Blind Veteran’s Association (BVA).
We are so thankful to both Sprinker Recreation Center, Idaho Ice World and the Boise Curling Club for their partnerships and support. Both events were so successful and well-attended that we’re hoping to include more events like these in our winter lineup next year.
To see the full list of upcoming programs and events, visit our website at www.nwaba.org.