****Canceled****

MOBALE is pleased to announce our collaboration with the Adaptive Outdoor Education Center and Maine Adaptive Sports and Recreation NEVIfest program to facilitate 2018 MOBALE Winter Sports Education Camp.

There are limited spots, so please fill out BOTH application packets (for MOBALE AND MASR) and get that information back to MOBALE ASAP. Deadline for MOBALE to receive your application packets is February 2, 2018.

How to Submit Packets

Scan and email: Mobalesports@gmail.com

Or snail mail: 189 Park Ave, Portland, ME 04102

Or fax: 207-774-0679

Tentative Schedule

Sunday, February 11

• 4:00 – 5:30 PM: Arrival and check-in with MOBALE at Adaptive Outdoor Education Center (AOEC)
• 4:30 – 5:45 PM: Check-in with MASR NEVIfest at the Rack
• 6:00 – 7:00 PM: NEVIfest welcome and Pizza Party at the Rack
• 7:15 – 8:15 PM: MOBALE balance class/pretest
• 8:30 – 9:00 PM: MOBALE athletes meeting at AOEC
• 9:00 – 9:30 PM: Shower/prepare for bed
• 9:30 – 10:00 PM: Staff meeting
• 10:00 PM: Lights out

Monday, February 12

• 8:00 – 9:30 AM: Continental breakfast at the Lodge
• 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM: NEVIfest ski instruction
• 12:00 – 1:00 PM: Lunch provided by MOBALE
• 1:00 – 3:00 PM: NEVIfest ski instruction
• 4:00 – 5:30 PM: Bowling at the Sugar Bowl in Carrabassett Valley
• 6:00 – 7:00 PM: Supper at AOEC
• 7:15 – 8:45 PM: Nutrition seminar
• 9:00 – 9:30 PM: MOBALE athletes meeting
• 9:30 – 10:00 PM: Shower/prepare for bed
• 9:30 – 10:00 PM: MOBALE staff meeting
• 10:00 PM: Lights out

Tuesday, February 13

• 8:00 – 9:30 AM: Continental breakfast at the Lodge
• 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM: NEVIfest ski instruction
• 12:00 – 1:00 PM: Lunch provided by MOBALE at AOEC
• 1:00 – 3:00 PM: Nordic ski instruction/Snowshoeing
• 4:00 – 5:30 PM: Ice skating instruction
• 6:00 – 7:00 PM: Supper at AOEC
• 7:15 – 8:45 PM: Activity and post test
• 9:00 – 9:30 PM: MOBALE athletes meeting
• 9:30 – 10:00 PM: Shower/prepare for bed
• 9:30 – 10:00 PM: Staff meeting
• 10:00 PM: Lights out

Wednesday, February 14

• 8:00 – 9:30 AM: Continental Breakfast available in the Lodge
• 9:15 AM: NEVIfest Group Photo
• 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Crothers Challenge and Ski Clinics
• 12:00 – 1:00 PM: MOBALE awards party and farewell

PLANS UNDERWAY FOR 2018 SUMMER SPORTS EDUCATION CAMP - June 20-23!

Despite a snowy March, the MOBALE board is preparing for the 2018 Summer Sports Education Camp (SEC) in Waterville, Maine at Camp Tracy and the Alfond Center from June 20-23. The camp will offer sports including:

• Beep baseball
• Archery
• Wrestling
• Swimming
• Gymnastics
• Martial arts
• Rock climbing
• Bowling
• Track and field
• Goal ball
• Potential addition of soccer

The camp is free for youth with visual impairments in grades 3-12 and provides a unique opportunity for participants to engage in adapted sports.

Donation Breakdown

• $15: Camp tee shirt
• $15: A night of bowling
• $25: Goalball goggles
• $20: Soccer ball with bells
• $13: Elbow pads
• $15: Knee pads

Donation Methods

• PayPal: https://www.paypal.me/MobaleT
• Dick's Sporting Goods gift card to: MOBALE SPORTS, 225 Chase St, Readfield, MAINE 04355

Volunteer Spotlight: Cheryl Gannon

Cheryl Gannon, 2016 Volunteer of the Year, shared her experience: "I can't think of many more things in life better than seeing a smile on a kid's face." She emphasized the camp's importance in providing physical and social opportunities for visually impaired students.

Contact Information

• Website: www.mobale.org
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MOBALEMaine/
• Email: Mobalesports@gmail.com

After the motion class, where athletes learn the basic dynamic of movement, we took off for archery! Athletes followed instructions of Camp Tracy Staff and had the opportunity to try adaptations.

A big first this year, soccer! All athletes enjoyed learning new skills lead by James Howard, from DBVI.

"Today has been a fun filled day with track and field events, goalball, swimming, gymnastics, rock climbing, wrestling and bowling!

We've been lucky enough to have great weather for all events!"

Interview with Argentina's soccer player David Peralta, a forward, who lost his vision at age 5.

Read the full interview on Euronews

James first realized his calling to support people with disabilities while working as a nursing aide in a summer employment opportunity, while studying Business Law BA Hons at the University of Stirling in Scotland.

"Working in a nursing home I was honestly shocked at the lack of empathy and compassion from some staff. The quality of care was not what I was expecting. At that moment, I realized that individuals disadvantaged and marginalized needed strong advocacy and support."

Originally from the UK, James migrated to Maine in 2001. After moving to Maine James worked for a profit and non-profit organization. The dream job as a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor (VRC) came along in 2006 with the State of Maine – and has worked as a VRC ever since.

"I love my job because I meet such fantastic people that have gone, or going through significant adversity with loss of vision. I'm afforded the opportunity to support individuals gain greater levels of independence, particularly achieving successful employment outcomes."

James started working with individuals who are blind and visually impaired (BVI) in June 2015. James takes a holistic approach to rehabilitation counseling. "I look at the whole picture of the individual. I look at the social situation, financial, housing issues, transportation barriers, and level of blind rehab skill needs".

"Some individuals with vision loss may not have had positive employment opportunities. I help coordinate blind rehab skill service delivery to support the individual with employment and independent living needs"

"The benefits of employment whether its 2 hours a week, or 40 hours a week is significant for an individual and improves their self-worth, self-esteem, and empowers greater levels of independence."