Another incredible year of the MOBALE Summer Sports Education Camp is in the books! From June 18-21, 2025, eight talented young athletes from Maine and New Hampshire came together for four days of sports, leadership, and unforgettable experiences.

Camp Highlights

This year's camp was packed with diverse athletic activities designed to challenge and inspire our athletes:

• Soccer - Team play with audible balls and verbal cues
• Kickball - Classic backyard sport adapted for all athletes
• Swimming - Pool time with adaptive instruction
• Track & Field - Running, throwing, and jumping events
• Yoga - Mindfulness and flexibility training
• Wrestling - Technique and strength building
• Archery - Precision and focus development
• Disc Golf - Outdoor recreation and skill competition
• Functional Fitness - Core strength and conditioning
• Goalball - Paralympic team sport competition

Our Amazing Team

The success of camp depends on our incredible volunteers and counselors:

Volunteer Counselors

• Adria - Returning counselor bringing enthusiasm and experience
• Sheila - Dedicated mentor and activity coordinator
• Jordan - Sports instructor and motivator
• Cheryl G. - 2025 Volunteer of the Year! Cheryl's commitment and passion made this year's camp exceptional

Visually Impaired Counselors

• Izzy - Role model and mentor sharing lived experiences
• Kyle - Athletic inspiration and skills coach
• Derek - Leadership development facilitator

Junior Counselors

• Gavin - Former athlete now giving back to the program
• Tyler - Peer mentor and activity assistant

Special Guest: Lindsay Ball

We were honored to host Lindsay Ball as our guest speaker this year. Lindsay competed as a Paralympic ski racer at the 2014 Sochi Winter Paralympics and is now a college professor. Her inspiring story of athletic achievement and academic success resonated deeply with our athletes, showing them that visually impaired individuals can excel in any field they choose to pursue.

Competition & Awards

The camp culminated in our annual disc golf tournament and awards ceremony. Athletes competed in teams with sighted guides, demonstrating the skills they'd developed throughout the week. The friendly competition brought out the best in everyone!

Looking Forward

As we reflect on another successful camp, we're already excited for 2026! If you're interested in participating as an athlete or volunteer, or if you'd like to support MOBALE's mission, please reach out to us.

Photo gallery coming soon! Check back for images from this year's camp.

At the conclusion of our 2025 Summer Sports Education Camp, we were thrilled to recognize the outstanding achievements of our athletes, volunteers, and partners. Congratulations to all our award winners!

Disc Golf Tournament Results

Our annual disc golf tournament showcased the skills our athletes developed throughout the week. Competing in teams with sighted guides, athletes navigated the course with accuracy and determination.

Tournament Winners:

• 1st Place: Will & Kayla - Outstanding teamwork and precision
• 2nd Place: Aubri & Rory - Consistent performance and great communication
• 3rd Place: Opal & Delaney - Impressive improvement throughout the week

Spirit Award

Delaney K. earned the Spirit Award for her positive attitude, encouragement of fellow athletes, and embodiment of MOBALE's values. Delaney's enthusiasm was contagious, and she made everyone around her feel welcome and supported.

Athlete of the Year

Will H. was named 2025 Athlete of the Year for his exceptional athletic performance, dedication, leadership, and sportsmanship. Will participated fully in every activity, pushed himself to improve, and served as an inspiring example to his peers. His commitment to excellence and willingness to try new challenges made him a standout athlete this year.

Volunteer of the Year

Cheryl G. received the Volunteer of the Year award in recognition of her tireless dedication, patience, and passion for MOBALE's mission. Cheryl went above and beyond in every aspect of camp, from leading activities to providing emotional support to athletes. Her positive energy and commitment made a lasting impact on everyone at camp.

Organization of the Year

The Alfond Youth & Community Center was honored as Organization of the Year for their outstanding partnership and support of MOBALE's programs. The Alfond Center has provided facilities, resources, and collaborative opportunities that have been invaluable to our success.

Celebrating Everyone

While these formal awards recognize specific achievements, every athlete, volunteer, and supporter who participated in camp deserves recognition. Each person contributed to the welcoming, challenging, and fun environment that makes MOBALE special. Thank you all for an amazing 2025 camp!

Take a look back at the amazing moments from our 2024 Summer Sports Camp! These photos capture the energy, determination, and joy of our athletes as they participated in various sports throughout the week.

Goalball

Goalball was a huge hit at the 2024 camp! Athletes learned the fundamentals of this Paralympic team sport, from defensive positioning to accurate throwing. The intensity and focus required for goalball helped athletes develop spatial awareness and quick reflexes.

Wrestling

Our wrestling program builds strength, technique, and confidence. Athletes worked with experienced coaches to learn proper form, practice moves, and participate in friendly matches. The one-on-one nature of wrestling, combined with constant physical contact, makes it an ideal sport for visually impaired athletes.

Disc Golf

The outdoor disc golf course provided a beautiful setting for athletes to practice their throwing skills and enjoy nature. Working with sighted guides, athletes navigated the course and competed in a friendly tournament that tested their accuracy and distance control.

Rock Climbing

Rock climbing challenged our athletes both physically and mentally. With verbal route descriptions and hands-on exploration of the wall, athletes problem-solved their way to the top. The trust built between climbers and belayers was a powerful part of the experience.

Tandem Biking

Tandem biking gave athletes the thrill of cycling through scenic routes. Paired with experienced pilots (front riders), athletes pedaled together and enjoyed the freedom and speed of biking. The teamwork and communication required made tandem biking a favorite activity.

Thank You!

Thank you to all the athletes, families, volunteers, coaches, and supporters who made the 2024 camp possible. We can't wait to create more amazing memories in 2025 and beyond!

Note: To protect privacy, athlete photos from the original blog are not reproduced here. Future versions of this site may include a photo gallery with appropriate permissions.