Simon Wheatcroft is a runner from the UK determined to test the limits of running as a blind athlete. In the article linked below he considers himself a 'test pilot' of various techniques blind runners might use to stay in the game.

Read the full CBS News article about Simon Wheatcroft

MOBALE is pleased to announce our collaboration with the Adaptive Outdoor Education Center and Maine Adaptive Sports and Recreation NEVIfest program to facilitate 2019 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 1, 2019.

How to Submit Packets

Scan and email: Mobalesports@gmail.com

Or snail mail: MOBALE, 225 Chase Rd, Readfield, ME 04355

Tentative Schedule

Sunday, February 10

• 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 11

• 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 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 at AOEC
• 1:00 – 3:00 PM: Nordic ski instruction/Snowshoeing
• 4:00 – 5:30 PM: Ice skating instruction/intro to hockey
• 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 13

• 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

Save The Date!!

2019 Summer Sports Education Camp!

June 19-22, 2019

at

The Alfond Youth Center and Camp Tracy

Please visit www.mobale.org to complete athlete or volunteer applications!

Applications Due by June 3rd, 2019

SPRING - 2019 Visually Impaired ATHLETES say… GOODBYE WINTER, HELLO SUMMER!

Newsletter: Vol. 3, No. 1 – April, 2019

WINTER SPORTS EDUCATION CAMP - "SNOW" MUCH FUN FOR VISUALLY IMPAIRED ATHLETES

2019 brought northern New England record amounts of the white stuff and MOBALE youth who are blind and visually impaired athletes took advantage of it! The Winter Sports Education Camp (WSEC) was held February 10-13 at Sugarloaf Mountain in Carrabasset Valley, Maine. Four athletes and one counselor-in-training attended and participated in the sports of skiing, snowboarding, rock-climbing and, a new sport for the WSEC, ice hockey, which garnered a thumbs up from everyone.

CONGRATULATIONS to athletes, C-Jay Martin and Mason Carlow, who earned first place in their alpine ski/snowboard events and Courtney Skillin, who came away with 4th place in the 2-Trac guided and unassisted event. It should be noted that the post-test results showed a 5-40% increase in athletes' knowledge and skills. As with all MOBALE camps, the athletes also gained valuable experience in life skills of self-help, orientation and mobility, and social interactions with adults and peers.

THANK YOU to all the VOLUNTEERS who helped to organize, teach and supervise this event. SPECIAL THANKS go to WSEC coordinator, KIM STUMPH, who is stepping down after being at the helm for 3 years. Kim has the ability to be a strong and capable leader, while maintaining her composure and sense of humor.

SUMMER IS ON THE HORIZON

MOBALE staff work hard to get ready for 2019 SUMMER CAMP June 19-22 in Waterville, Maine. We are happy to announce that Camp Tracy and the Alfond Center will offer both outdoor and indoor sports from gymnastics, swimming, wrestling, archery, track and field, to name a few. Also returning for a second year will be a sport introduced last summer, a big hit with all the athletes, beep soccer. For more information about summer SEC or to REGISTER AN ATHLETE visit our website www.MOBALE.org

"V" IS FOR VALUABLE - Volunteers make MOBALE possible

"If you enjoy sport, in combination with supporting and seeing young individuals grow, then simply jump in!" So says James Howard, Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor for the Maine Division for the Blind and Visually Impaired and rookie volunteer at the 2018 summer SEC. "I've played and coached soccer over 35 years and lessons learned on commitment to the team, technical learning and sportsmanship are life's building blocks. As a rehab professional, the benefits of participating in sports are vital." In his profession, James encounters visually impaired individuals seeking gainful employment. With unemployment for this population over 50%, James knows that the most successful clients are those who have foundational life and work skills, self-confidence and perseverance to take on the challenge of competing in the job market. James was impressed with MOBALE's program and when asked if he would consider volunteering again, he answered, "Absolutely! It was amazing to see so much growth in the athletes both technically and personally in such a short period of time."

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

As a volunteer for the 2019 Summer SEC, you will make it possible to provide a valuable experience for blind and visually impaired athletes to learn and participate in sports in a way that is designed to address their unique needs. But that is only half the story – you will also gain a valuable experience in the satisfaction of seeing the growth and development of these young athletes. WE NEED YOU if you are a responsible adult, like sports, like kids and believe that all youth, no matter what disability they may have, deserve an opportunity to join in the fun and rewarding experiences that sport can offer. For more information and to REGISTER TO VOLUNTEER for summer camp, visit our website www.MOBALE.org

MANY WAYS TO CONTRIBUTE

YOU can help MOBALE continue to offer sports education camps…

• MOBALE partners with Hannaford CLYNK, bottle return. Contact Michelle at 207-208-6354 for labels.
• Quick and easy donations can be made online with PAYPAL: https://www.paypal.me/MobaleT
• Send a check to: MOBALE SPORTS - 225 Chase Rd. - Readfield, MAINE - 04355

STAY IN TOUCH WITH MOBALE

• LIKE US on FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/MOBALEMaine/
• WEBSITE: www.mobale.org
• EMAIL: MobaleSports@gmail.com

Get Ready for MOBALE Summer Camp June 17-21, 2020!!