USABA Offers Full Slate in 2009
Camps, Competitions Fill Calendar for Blind Athletes, Veterans
Dec 19, 2008
The United States Association of Blind Athletes (USABA) will host both the 2009 International Blind Sports Association (IBSA) World Youth and Student Championships and the ISBA Pan American Games at the US Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado from July 15-20, 2009.
The USABA, which seeks to develop elite blind athletes by sponsoring regional sports camps and competitions, welcomes eligible blind and visually impaired athletes wishing to compete to apply by February 15, 2009.
Eligibility Requirements for ISBA World Youth and Student Championships
To compete for Team USA in the World Youth and Student Championships, athletes must:
- Be a US citizen
- Be a current USABA member
- Meet one of IBSA’s vision classifications (B1, B2, B3)
- Be at least 12 and no older than 19 by July 15, 2009
- Be an active competitor, i.e. playing on a school or club goalball, track, or swim team
- Send a letter of intent to USABA by February 15, 2009 which includes: summary of athletic accomplishments; name of coach and club or sports team; and a summary of weekly training schedule
- Complete all necessary forms and follow the code of conduct.
To compete in IBSA Pan American Games, athletes must:
- Meet one of IBSA’s vision classifications (B1, B2, B3)
- Be actively training and competing with a school or club team, or with a dojo (judo athletes)
- Send a letter of intent to USABA by February 15, 2009 which includes: summary of athletic accomplishments; name of coach and club or sports team; and a summary of weekly training schedule
- Complete all necessary forms and follow the code of conduct.
Team USA coaches will select athletes based on their letters of intent; results from competitions, and commitment to training and participation. The USABA Sports Technical Committee will make the final athlete selections by March 15, 2009. The USABA may provide partial funding to athletes based on accomplishments, training efforts, and success potential. Check the USABA website for updates or call 719.630.0422 for further information. Send application materials to:
John Potts
USABA High Performance Sports Program Manager
1101 High Valley Lane
Belleville, IL 62221
USABA Developmental Judo Camp and Winter Ski Festival
The USABA will hold an Emerging Athlete Judo Camp (February 25-March 1, 2009) in Colorado Springs designed for athletes ages 13 or older with at least six months of judo experience and who want to increase their training and competitive level. Coaches of eligible athletes are also invited to attend. Contact USABA Judo Development Coordinator Heidi Moore for details.
The USABA holds its Second Annual Winter Ski Festival in Killington, Vermont the weekend of January 16-18, 2009. Blind and visually impaired athletes can participate in four sessions of Alpine or Nordic skiing with opportunities to learn basic racing techniques in either sport, with events are catered to each athlete’s age and skill level. The Alpine events take place at Pico Ski Resort in Killington, the Nordic program at the Mountain Top Inn in Chittenden. Participants stay at the Mendon Mountainview Lodge (800.368.4311) with daily transportation provided to both venues. The festival is also a Paralympic Academy.
Also in 2009, the USABA will expand its Mission Vision program designed to introduce US Veterans with vision loss to new opportunities for recreation and sport. Contact the USABA for more information.
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