FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Billy Henry
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
billy@nwaba.org
Montana School for the Deaf and Blind partners with Northwest Association for Blind Athletes to drastically enhance sports opportunities for K-12 blind youth in Montana
(Vancouver, Washington)—July 31st, 2012— Northwest Association for Blind Athletes (NWABA) announced today that the organization will partner with Montana School for the Deaf and Blind (MSDB) to launch a landmark program in Montana to provide life-changing sports opportunities to youth with visual impairments across the state.
“We are delighted to be working with MSDB on this new program to provide more opportunities to students of all ages who are blind in Montana. The pilot program will start in October with a clinic in Billings. Throughout the year, we will work with MSDB to host school visits, clinics, and enrichment weekends. ” said NWABA co-founder and Executive Director Billy Henry
“At MSDB we believe that physical fitness and social confidence are necessary for our youth to become competent and independent adults. The partnership with the Northwest Association of Blind Athletes supports MSDB’s strategic plan to expand regional opportunities for low vision and blind students and their families served in the local school districts, while providing them with tremendous opportunities to develop an appreciation for sports, become more physically fit, and increase their social competence and confidence.” said Steve Gettel, MSDB Superintendent
Through participation in sports and physical activity, individuals of all ages and ability levels who are blind and visually impaired build confidence, self-esteem, muscular strength, physical fitness, and the inspiration to succeed in school and pursue employment opportunities.
About NWABA:
Northwest Association for Blind Athletes (NWABA) is a 501(c) (3) charitable organization that provides life-changing sports opportunities to over 1,000 individuals of all ages and ability levels who are blind and visually impaired. 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 Association was formed by a group of visually impaired students in 2007 to ensure that people who are blind were participating in sports and physical activity.
About MSDB:
The Montana School for the Deaf & Blind provides comprehensive educational opportunities for Montana’s deaf, hard of hearing, blind, and visually impaired children, giving them their best chance for independence and success. MSDB also serves as a statewide resource center for parents of deaf and blind children and for school districts and professionals serving students with vision or hearing loss. Our team of outreach consultants serves hundreds of students and families in communities across Montana, and MSDB offers additional outreach programs on its campus in Great Falls, MT
For information: https://nwaba.org or
Contact: billy@nwaba.org
Phone: 1-360-448-7254
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