[NFBofSC] FW: Article for Seneca Journal

[Ed Bible]

Good morning,

 

Look!  The NFB of SC sponsored one of our newest at large chapter members
and I think we need to pat each other on the back.  This is exactly what we
are supposed to do to support each other.

 

Ed

 

"BLIND FIT GIRL" TRAINING FOR PARALYMPIC GAMES

 

At six months of age, Erica Powell was diagnosed with a rare cancer called
Retinoblastoma which resulted in fourteen bilateral tumors in her eyes. With
the help of the country's best doctors, a loving family, and a community of
support, Erica was treated and has been cancer free for over twenty years.
As a result of Erica's radiation treatment, she now experiences progressive
vision loss.  She is totally blind in her left eye and can see only large
shapes and colors from her right eye.  Thankfully, Erica was raised to focus
on all of the things she could do, achieve, and be, instead of dwelling on
her vision loss.  Because of her tenacious mindset, Erica has always worked
to break the barriers that are often experienced by people with
disabilities. 

Erica grew up as a high-level competition gymnast which led her to receive a
scholarship to Clemson as a Cheerleader.  Upon graduating college, Erica
knew she was not finished competing athletically.   She began running track
and field in March of 2019 and was performing at a competitive level and
hitting "emerging athlete standards" in her practices which caught the
interested of the USA Paralympic National Team. Thanks to support from
generous organizations like the Salem Lions Club and the SC National
Federation of the Blind, Erica was able to travel to international
competitions trying to improve her times. 

              Since beginning her journey with her first meet in May of
2019, Erica has been invited to the Elite Athlete Olympic Training Center in
Chula Vista, CA on several occasions.  Her performance in the 100m sprint
has qualified her to receive daily training, strength and conditioning, and
meal plans from Olympic coaches.  Her goal is to compete on Team USA at the
Paralympic Games in Tokyo this summer.

              The Salem Lions are very proud of Erica and pleased to have
the opportunity to help support this amazing young lady.  Their sponsorship
has helped Erica travel to events twice where her progress as a sprinter has
risen to the level of a potential Paralympian. 

              Erica is hard at work training twice a day in Greenville, SC,
with remote support from her Olympic coaches.  She plans to travel to the
Olympic Training Center multiple times this year in preparation for
competition starting in March.  Erica hopes to meet the team standard in the
100m, 400m, and/or Javelin throw and become an official member of Team USA
before June 2020.  If necessary, she will still have an opportunity to make
the team by competing in the Paralympic Trials at the end of June. 

              When you ask Erica about her main goals, she will tell you (1)
competing for Team USA in the Tokyo Games, and (2) to break down negative
stereotypes and barriers for people who are blind or visually impaired.  ~Go
Erica, Go!!! 

 

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