MOBALE

The very first Wildcat Blind Sports Education Camp, held June 28 – July 2, 2026 at the University of New Hampshire’s Durham campus, was “Wildly” successful! Thirteen youth athletes with visual impairment from four New England states took part in this new collaboration between MOBALE and the UNH Department of Kinesiology’s Adapted Physical Education (APE) Graduate program.

Camp Staff:

MOBALE staff trained new volunteers, shared strategies and adaptations for youth with visual impairment, and brought adapted equipment that makes it possible for athletes to be included in sports alongside their non-disabled peers. The staff included four adults with visual impairment who served as positive role models of success and competence. UNH graduate students in the Adapted P.E. program — who came to camp from all over the U.S. — did an amazing job teaching and coaching, bringing real enthusiasm for the adaptations that let athletes learn skills for competitive sports, a healthy lifestyle, and… really, really FUN!

Sports:

Returning sports included goalball, wrestling, rock climbing, disc golf, swimming, beep kickball, yoga, track and field, and fitness.

New in 2026 — Skateboarding!

Making its debut and quickly becoming a favorite, skateboarding was presented with First Push Syndicate of Dover, N.H., who provided a skateboard, protective gear, and adaptive equipment for each athlete so the sport could be learned safely and accessibly. Their goal — building self-confidence and resilience through inclusive sports — aligns closely with MOBALE’s. A frequent request heard from athletes on skateboards was, “go faster!”

Official Goalball Equipment:

A highlight of goalball instruction and competition was our first year with “official” goalball nets and eyeshades, purchased with generous donations from the Foreseeable Future Foundation and the Amherst, N.H. Lions Club. Worn protective pads were replaced as well, so every player was comfortably outfitted for play.

Awards:

• Athlete of the Year: Opal S.
• Spirit Award: Hayden A.
• Volunteer of the Year: Cora A.
• Organization of the Year: Gibney Family Foundation

Awards were presented on the final day of camp, along with recognition for the winners of the disc golf and goalball competitions. Extreme heat curtailed some track and field events and an electrical overload knocked out power, so we were unable to hear from our speaker, Drew Crook of the Boston Renegades Beep Baseball team. We are working with Drew on a video sharing his story and success as an athlete with a visual impairment, which we will post here for athletes and their families.

Looking Ahead:

A post-camp survey is going out to athletes, families, and staff as we begin planning for the future. MOBALE hopes to continue working with UNH and First Push Syndicate to expand sports opportunities for athletes with visual impairment. We welcome your questions and comments at mobalesports@gmail.com.