MOBALE

Maine Organization for Blind Athletic and Leadership Education

Check this out!

The Paralympic Games are taking place in Brazil! One of the sports featured is goalball, a team sport designed specifically for blind and visually-impaired athletes.

Goalball is played by two teams of three players with a ball that has bells inside. Players wear eyeshades to ensure fair play, and they must use their hearing to track the ball and defend their goal while trying to score on their opponents.

This exciting sport requires teamwork, quick reflexes, and excellent spatial awareness. It's one of the sports we introduce to athletes at MOBALE camps!

Learn more about goalball and listen to interviews with Paralympic athletes discussing their experiences in this incredible sport.

2016 Special Awards!

We are certainly proud of each athlete and volunteer that attends Sports Education Camp! We have a few distinguished awards each year and MOBALE is proud of our 2016 recipients!

Award Recipients:

  • Athlete of the Year: Hailey - Recognized for outstanding athletic achievement, dedication, and skill development throughout the camp.
  • Spirit Award: Gavin - Honored for exceptional sportsmanship, positive attitude, and encouragement of fellow athletes.
  • Volunteer of the Year: Cheryl - Celebrated for dedication, compassion, and going above and beyond to support our athletes.
  • Organization of the Year: Maine Sight and Hearing - Acknowledged for their partnership and support of MOBALE's mission.

Congratulations to all our award winners! Your contributions and achievements inspire us all and demonstrate the power of sports to transform lives.

All Forms

Important forms for athletes and volunteers participating in MOBALE Sports Education Camps:

Athlete Forms:

  • Athlete Application - Required for all new and returning athletes
  • Waiver - Liability waiver must be signed by parent/guardian
  • Medical Form - Complete medical information and emergency contacts
  • Code of Conduct - Agreement to follow camp rules and expectations

Volunteer Forms:

  • Summer SEC Volunteer Application - For summer camp volunteers
  • Winter SEC Volunteer Application - For winter camp volunteers
  • USABA Form - United States Association of Blind Athletes form

Note: If forms do not load, please try copying and pasting the link to your web browser.

All forms are available on our website at www.mobale.org

For questions about forms or applications, please contact us at MobaleSports@gmail.com

Camp Needs

Camp Locations:

  • Alfond Youth Center (Events): 126 North St., Waterville, ME 04901
  • Camp Tracy (Housing): 302 McGrath Pond Rd., Oakland, ME 04963
  • Waterville High School (Track & Field): 1 Brooklyn Ave., Waterville, ME 04901

Things Athletes Should Bring:

  • A good attitude!
  • Personal care items (toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, deodorant, etc.)
  • Towel for showering
  • Comfortable clothing suitable for sports activities
  • Athletic footwear (sneakers with good support)
  • Bedding (blankets, sheets, pillows, or sleeping bag)
  • Personal medication (clearly labeled with instructions)
  • Any assistive devices normally used
  • Change of clothes for each day
  • Swimsuit for swimming activities

Important Notes:

  • No alcohol or soda will be provided at camp
  • For female athletes: athletic bathing suits are required (NOT bikinis or other swimwear exposing midriff)
  • Please label all personal belongings with athlete's name
  • MOBALE is not responsible for lost or damaged personal items

What NOT to Bring:

  • Valuable jewelry or electronics
  • Large amounts of cash
  • Weapons of any kind
  • Illegal substances

If you have questions about what to bring or camp logistics, please contact us at MobaleSports@gmail.com

Are you interested in volunteering?

MOBALE is always looking for dedicated volunteers to help make our Sports Education Camps a success!

Why Volunteer with MOBALE?

  • Make a meaningful difference in the lives of youth who are blind and visually impaired
  • Gain experience working with adaptive sports and assistive techniques
  • Be part of a supportive, enthusiastic team
  • Witness the incredible achievements and growth of our athletes
  • Contribute to an inclusive, empowering environment

Volunteer Opportunities:

  • Sports instructors and coaches
  • Dorm counselors and supervisors
  • Meal and activity assistants
  • Transportation support
  • Administrative and setup help

Background Check Requirements:

For the safety of our athletes, all volunteers must complete a background check before participating in camp activities. This is a standard requirement for anyone working with minors.

Parent Volunteers:

Parents and guardians of athletes are encouraged to volunteer! Your involvement not only supports the camp but also gives you the opportunity to see your child thrive in a supportive athletic environment.

How to Apply:

Visit www.mobale.org and complete the volunteer application form. For questions, contact us at MobaleSports@gmail.com

We welcome volunteers of all skill levels and backgrounds. No prior experience with visual impairments is required – just enthusiasm, patience, and a willingness to learn!

Got P.E.?

MOBALE recognizes that students with visual impairments often face barriers to participating in physical education classes. We're here to help!

Breaking Down Barriers in Physical Education

Physical education is a vital part of every student's education, promoting health, wellness, fitness, and social development. However, traditional P.E. classes may not always be accessible to students who are blind or visually impaired.

How MOBALE Can Help

We work with students, families, teachers, and schools to create inclusive physical education experiences. Our support includes:

  • Consultation on adaptive sports techniques
  • Recommendations for accessible equipment
  • Training for P.E. teachers on visual impairment accommodations
  • Resources for adapted physical activities
  • Advocacy for inclusive recreation opportunities

For Students and Families

If you're a student with a visual impairment who wants to participate more fully in P.E., or a parent advocating for your child's access to physical education, MOBALE can provide guidance and support.

For Educators

Physical education teachers and administrators who want to learn how to better serve students with visual impairments are welcome to reach out. We can provide resources, training, and practical strategies for creating an inclusive P.E. environment.

Reach Out!

For more information about physical education access and wellness training for students with visual impairments, contact:

  • Michelle Mason: valhallatrailhead@gmail.com
  • Aisha Hixon: aisha.hixon@yahoo.com

Don't let barriers stand in the way of physical activity and wellness. Together, we can ensure all students have the opportunity to participate in meaningful physical education experiences.