Check out our new MOBALE flier! Feel free to view, print, and share with others to help spread the word about our organization and programs.
The flier provides information about MOBALE's mission to provide sports education opportunities for youth who are blind and visually impaired in Maine.
MAINE ORGANIZATION for BLIND ATHLETIC and LEADERSHIP EDUCATION
VOL 1 No. 3 - October, 2017, www.mobale.org
On June 21, MOBALE welcomed 10 athletes from Maine and New Hampshire to the 2017 Summer Sports Educational Camp (SEC) in Waterville, Maine. They met on Wednesday afternoon at a new venue for accommodations at the townhouses of Thomas College. If you think camp is a "walk in the park", think again! Here is a sample of a day in the life of a MOBALE athlete…
Daily Schedule: 6:45-Wake up; 7:30-board the bus to Alfond Center for breakfast; 8:00-running, long jump and shot put; 10:30-goalball; 12:00-lunch; 1:00-gymnastics, swimming, & rock climbing; 4:00-Wrestling; 6:00-Dinner; 7:30-Bowling; 9:00-Athlete meeting; 9:30-shower; 10:00-lights out and rest up for the next jam-packed day of sporting experiences!
To that varied list of sports, add archery, martial arts, Zumba and beep baseball and bumpy bus rides where athletes socialize and forge friendships that many will never forget.
On Saturday, the fun of learning new sports culminated with individual and team competitions, a banquet lunch, and awards. CONGRATULATIONS to this year's recipients: Athlete of the Year, Kamdyn McCallister and Spirit Award, Courtney Skillin for their skill, perseverance and helpfulness to both athletes and staff.
The "Organization of the Year" was awarded to John T. Cyr and Sons Bus Lines of Old Towne for its generous donation of a school bus used to transport athletes among multiple venues. Augusta School District driver, Rolfe Frost, cheerfully commandeered the vehicle of energetic athletes and volunteers from early morning til late at night for many miles during the SEC. In 2012, Cyr & Sons celebrated its founding 100 years ago and continues to provide outstanding service to Maine communities.
The "Volunteer of the Year" award recognizes an individual who has made outstanding contributions to MOBALE through their dedication, expertise, and positive impact on our athletes. This year's award recipient demonstrated exceptional commitment to supporting youth with visual impairments in their athletic endeavors.
A huge thanks to all volunteers, staff, and supporters who made the 2017 Summer Sports Education Camp a tremendous success. Your dedication to providing opportunities for youth who are blind and visually impaired continues to make a lasting impact on the lives of our athletes.
MOBALE Maine has a Facebook page at www.facebook.com/MOBALEMaine with updated photos from our recently completed Summer Camp!
We all had a great time! Check out the photos to see highlights from wrestling, track and field, swimming, goalball, and many other sports activities.
Like and follow our page to stay updated on MOBALE news, events, and camp activities throughout the year.
The Maine Organization of Blind Athletic and Leadership Education (MOBALE) is hosting the 2ND Annual Sports Education Camp for Students with Visual Impairments.
Who is the camp for: Blind/visually impaired kids grades 3rd-12th
What is the camp: Sports education for Maine's visually impaired children. Introductions to bowling, goalball, swimming, track & field, fencing, rock climbing, gymnastics, swimming, martial arts, Zumba, beep baseball, wrestling, and more!
Where is the camp: The Alfond Youth Center Waterville
When is the camp: June 21st to 24th, 2017
Sport teachers – wrestling, baseball, track/field, fencing
To Sign-up: MOBALE.org, volunteer section
For questions please contact Amber Mooney, Volunteer Coordinator, at amooney@theiris.org.
MAINE ORGANIZATION for BLIND ATHLETIC and LEADERSHIP EDUCATION
VOL 1 No. 2 - April, 2017, www.mobale.org
On February 12-15, Sugarloaf Mountain Resort played host to five MOBALE athletes with visual impairments at the annual Winter Sports Education Camp. With a big storm forecast, several athletes were unable to make the trip, but those who did, participated in a flurry of snowy sports including alpine and Nordic skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing and ice skating. Athletic days were followed by evenings at the fireside getting to know each other, laughing together and learning about maintaining a healthy lifestyle through eating right and exercise. Guest speaker, Randy Pierce, an accomplished mountain climber from New Hampshire, founder of 20/20 Vision Quest, inspired athletes and volunteers with his message of not letting a disability be an obstacle to living a full and active life.
CONGRATULATIONS to the four MOBALE athletes who placed 1, 3, 4, and 6 in the ladies division of the NEVI ski fest (New England Visually Impaired) downhill ski competition. We also had one medalist in snowshoeing.
Thanks to the MOBALE board and volunteers, both up-front and behind the scenes, who made this camp possible. Also to Sugarloaf staff, the Adaptive Outdoor Education Center, Maine DBVI, and POLAND SPRINGS for its generous donation and… to Mother Nature for the SNOW!
MOBALE elected a new board of directors in February. We are looking forward to an exciting year with new President, John McMahon, at the helm, ably assisted by Lindsay Ball, VP, Amber Mooney, Secretary and Kim Stumph, Treasurer. They will be supported by board members Michelle Mason, Nick Giudice and Jim Phipps. There are 2 vacant positions for which you may send a letter of interest to President John McMahon, email: jspirit12@myfairpoint.net.
Thanks to out-going board members, Michelle Mason and Aisha Hixon for their dedication and service to MOBALE.
Sports Education Camp (SEC) is a hands-on program for youth who are blind and visually impaired to learn about and participate in various sports in a supportive, accessible environment. Through SEC, athletes develop physical skills, build confidence, and form lasting friendships with peers who share similar experiences.
Mark your calendars for the 2017 Summer Sports Education Camp, June 21-24 in Waterville, Maine! The camp will feature a wide variety of sports including track and field, swimming, goalball, wrestling, archery, martial arts, gymnastics, rock climbing, bowling, beep baseball, and more.
Registration is now open for both athletes and volunteers. Visit www.MOBALE.org for more information and to complete your application.