[Sportsandrec] FW: News from USABA

[Cervenka, Stacy (Brownback)]

FYI...

 
 
	United States Association of Blind Athletes
	
News from USABA
	December 2008
	
Fuel the Dream Logo 
	
Dear Stacy, 
 
I hope this finds you doing well.  First I would like to thank you for
your involvement in USABA.  It is an honor for myself, staff and your
Board of Directors to serve you.  Here is some information about what is
on the calendar for 2009.  There are numerous opportunities for athletes
of all ages, recreational and competitive.  If you need additional
information, please do not hesitate to call me at (719) 630-0422. 
 
Best Wishes, 
Mark Lucas, Executive Director
	
 
 
Sports Adaptation Video Series, Judo Update
Photo of US Paralympic Judo team 
Since returning from the Beijing Paralympic Games, two USABA athletes
have been busy on the USA Judo Senior E Level tournament circuit.  Myles
Porter (Colorado Springs, Colo.) took the top spot at the Continental
Crown in Seattle, Wash. in the 100kg division.  While Greg De Wall
(Chico, Calif.) also finished on the podium in 3rd place in the 100+kg
division.  Both athletes then competed at the Dallas Open with Porter
taking 2nd place and De Wall in 3rd.  The wins put Porter 4th on the
national ranking of sighted judo players compiled by USA Judo. 
 
This year USABA is launching a new Sports Adaptation Video Series aimed
at removing barriers to participation that athletes who are blind and
visually impaired often face.  USABA has recently completed the video
for judo with more sports on the way.  Check it out by clicking here
<http://www.usaba.org/Pages/movie/USABAjudo1.html> .  Athletes and
parents are encouraged to show this video to local judo coaches who have
questions on how to successfully integrate athletes who are blind into
their judo classes. 
 
Additionally, USABA will host an Emerging Athlete Camp at the Colorado
Springs Olympic Training Center February 25 - March 1, 2009.  This camp
is designed for young athletes ages 13 and over who have 6 or more
months of judo experience who want to increase their training and
competitive level.  Coaches of eligible athletes are also invited to
attend with their students.  For more information, contact Heidi Moore,
Judo Development Coordinator at judocoordinator at usaba.org. 
 
If you need a judo gi, be sure to logon to Tiger Claw by clicking here
<http://tigerclaw.com/judo-jujitsu-c-306.html>  and wear the same gi at
the USABA National Judo Team!
Tiger Claw
<http://content.delivra.com/etapcontent//UnitedStatesAssociationofB/Tige
rClawLogo468x87.JPG> 
 
 
2009 International Blind Sports Federation World Youth & Student Games
AND Pan American Games
 
This summer will be a busy one if you want to compete internationally!
USABA will be hosting two events in Colorado Springs, Colo. July 15-20,
2009.  Athletes will compete in goalball, track & field, swimming and
judo.  Athletes ages 15 to 20 years old will compete in the IBSA World
Youth and Student Championships and athletes 21 and over will compete in
the IBSA Pan American Games.  For more information contact USABA Sports
Director, John Potts at jpotts at usaba.org today!   
 
 
2nd Annual Winter Ski Festival
 
The Second Annual Winter Ski Festival is scheduled in Killington, Vt.,
Fri., Jan. 16 through Sun. Jan 18.  Athletes with visual impairment will
be given the opportunity to learn to ski or learn to race in the sports
of alpine and nordic skiing, while also spending an enjoyable weekend in
the Green Mountains of Vermont.  In collaboration with Vermont Adaptive
Ski and Sport (VASS), the Gibney Family Foundation and U.S. Paralympics,
USABA is once again proud to offer this recreational opportunity which
is open to all ages and all abilities.  Whether a first-time skier or
competitive racer, the festival is catered to each athlete's ability.
 
Guides and instructors are provided by VASS, a non-profit organization
located in Vermont, which is committed to empowering individuals with
disabilities.  VASS staff will pair each blind and visually impaired
skier with a trained ski guide to practice and learn skills in either
genre of learn to ski or race.  
 
For more information and application click here
<http://www.usaba.org/Pages/usabaheadlines/Ski/09VermontSkiFestival.html
> .   
 
 
2009 IBSA World Powerlifting Championships
The 2009 IBSA World Bench Press and Powerflifting Championships will
take place July 8-11 in Miami, Florida.  USABA is currently recruting
athletes for Team USA.  If you would like more information, please
contact Coach Mark Sampson at msampson56 at hotmail.com. 
 
 
	
 United States Association of Blind Athletes
33 N. Institute Street, Colorado Springs, CO 80903
www.usaba.org, 719.630.0422