FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Billy Henry, Executive Director Northwest Association for Blind Athletes 500 W. 8TH Street, Suite 50 Vancouver, Washington 98660 Local Phone: 1-360-448-7254 Toll Free: 1-800-880-9837 https://nwaba.org [email protected]
Vancouver, Washington—September 26th, 2012—The Northwest Association for Blind Athletes (NWABA) announced today that it will be hosting a 2012 Paralympic Experience in Salem, Oregon in conjunction with Northwest Regional ESD, the Blind and Visually Impaired Student Fund, and U.S. Paralympics, a division of the U.S. Olympic Committee. The event is scheduled for Thursday, October 11th at the Oregon School for the Deaf in Salem, OR. It is open to all K-12 students with visual impairments across Oregon.
“We are very excited to announce our Paralympic experience for students who are blind and visually impaired. This event will introduce students to several different sports, and give them the opportunity to learn more about the Paralympic games” said Executive Director Billy Henry
“The Paralympic Experience program encourages physical fitness and overall well-being for individuals with physical and visual disabilities, and we are thrilled to be working with Northwest Association for Blind Athletes (NWABA) on this initiative,” said Charlie Huebner, USOC Chief of Paralympics. “Research shows that individuals with physical and visual disabilities who participate in physical activity are healthier, more successful in school, have great access to employment opportunities and have an enhanced quality of life.”
The event will give K-12 students with visual impairments an opportunity to participate in Goalball (a sport specifically designed for individuals who are blind and visually impaired), judo, and tandem cycling. For more information on the Northwest Association for Blind Athletes, please contact Billy Henry at 1-360-448-7254, or visit www.nwaba.org
About NWABA: Northwest Association for Blind Athletes (NWABA) is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. The mission of NWABA is 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. The organization provides life-changing sports opportunities to over 1,000 individuals of all ages and ability levels who are blind and visually impaired across Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Montana.
About NWRESD: NWRESD’s mission is to provide equitable support for our school districts in their mission to education all students. The agency works collaboratively with the 20 public school districts in Clatsop, Columbia, Tillamook, and Washington County, Oregon, to jointly determine the programs and services the agency can provide as we work together to meet the educational needs in the region. NWRESD administrators meet regularly with superintendents to discuss needs and priorities and how the ESD can best meet them.
Purpose: Education Service Districts were established by the Oregon legislature to provide services that local school districts are not able to offer economically or because of the small numbers of students involved. Services are provided in a centralized format that is efficient and allows for maximum use of public dollars. These services include special education (birth through age 21), professional development, and technology.
About U.S. Paralympics:
U.S. Paralympics, a division of the U.S. Olympic Committee, is dedicated to becoming the world leader in the Paralympic sports movement and to promoting excellence in the lives of persons with physical disabilities. Visit the U.S. Paralympics Web site at www.usparalympics.org.
For information: https://nwaba.org or Contact: [email protected] Phone: 1-360-448-7254
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