BSO promotes & provides fitness, recreation, & sports for blind & VI youth & adults. To participate or get more info., e-ml info@blindsports.org,  call 302- 836-5784

Upcoming Activities (more info below)
Sept. 10 – DABA Family Bowling
Sept. 27 – Men’s Goalball resumes at OSB
Oct. 15 – Women’s Goalball resumes at OSB
Oct. 22 – DABA Family Bowling
Fall TBA – BSO Family Bowling
Nov. 5 – BSO’s Mid-Atlantic G’ball Tourn.
Nov. 5 – DABA Family Bowling
Jan. TBA – Mid-Atlantic G’ball Tourn.
Mar. TBA - Mid-Atlantic G’ball Tourn.

Year-Round Activities
Judo/Self-Defense (ages 7+) every Sat.     
Audio Darts (adults) –see chapter info
Blind Bowlers League – see chapter info

Seasonal Activities (see Chapter info)
Men’s Goalball (15+) –Tues. 5:30-8:30
Women’s Goalball – 1st & 3rd Sat. - 1:30
Beep-Baseball (ages 14+) April - Aug
 

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED:
Can you help with: fund raising, grant writing, bookkeeping, tandem bike piloting, youth activities, or score keeping?  If so, e-mail - info@blindsports.org, or call 302-836-5784.                 
WELCOME NEW BSO BOARD MEMBER, Mrs. Lucy Wallace, mother of athlete, Matt.

NEWS from BSO’s Sports Administrator  
The 2010-‘11 season was very active.  We hosted weekly activities, 4 regional tournaments in 2 sports, and BSO’s beep baseball’s 1st  off-season batting practice. Our men & women went to Goalball Nationals and the Judo World Games.
These self-esteem building programs are supported by: memberships; donations; sponsors; grants; and lots of caring people participating in: Dance-to-See, Beef & Bowl, Giant & ACME Gift Cards, Goodsearch.com, Goodshop.com, United Way Donor Choice, and eScrip.com.
Many SPECIAL THANKS  to Overbrook School f/t Blind, U of DE, and Friends Central for use of facilities; the Delta Gamma sororities & Lions Clubs, plus all the individuals who donated time, and/or raised funds to help BSO provide programs.
~ Sandy White

 

MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL TIME
Everyone who participates in BSO &/ or USABA activities must belong to both.  As with participating in any strenuous physical activity, please check with a doctor before starting.  BSO provides local and regional activities plus a newsletter and a website. USABA provides liability & secondary medical insurance, a national newsletter, and sponsors national training camps and teams to compete internationally. Both memberships expire Dec. 31.  To join or renew, go to www.blindsports.org and www.usaba.org and complete the membership applications.

 

Do you know a blinded VETERAN?
Disabled vets around the country are getting involved in disabled sports organizations.  Do you know a veteran who lost some or all of his/her vision?  Please share info. about BSO so that he/she can enjoy sports and recreation activities with us.  

Mid-Atlantic SPORTS WEEKEND
CANCELLED due to lack of registrations received by the deadline.  This would have been our 25th overnight mini sports camp with lots of fun recreation and social time for ages 7+.  We don’t know what affected the sign-ups. If you have any suggestions for future planning, please let us know.

Mid-Atlantic SPORTS DAY
CANCELLED due to increased facility use fees.  It’s always been a fun day of recreation & sports for ages 7-87+, and we hope we can find another location for next year. 

Goalball National Championships
BSO had 2 teams compete at Nationals which were held in Brockport, NY in June.
BSO Men’s Team “Venom”, the defending National Champion (their 6th title in 11 years), came in 2nd.  Congratulations to: Andy Jenks (DE), John Mulhern (PA), Josh Schwartz (PA), and Michael Coughlin (PA).         BSO Women’s Team “Phever” gained a lot of experience, and are the up & coming team to watch. Congratulations to:  Rosemary Martin (PA), Amanda Keene (NJ), Kassandra Hernandez (PA).  Coaches: Anita Moody, Sandy White, & Brian Bauer. 

Mid-Atlantic Goalball Tournaments
BSO hosts 3 Mid-Atlantic tournaments each school year. The 1st this season will be Nov. 5 at the OSB gym 8:30am – 5pm.  Volunteers and spectators welcome!

 

BEEP-BASEBALL
This is a fun, co-ed modified softball  for ages 14+.  The season runs April to Aug.  BSO is in a league with NJ, NY, & Boston.
New teams are developing in Lancaster & York.  On Sept. 18, the BSO-Philly team will go to York to play against these teams and to conduct a clinic. We are willing to help other communities start Beep Baseball.  It’s a fun co-ed game and is suitable for a wide age and ability range.  Call (610) 352-1382 if you are interested in joining or starting a team in your area.

 

ROWING
         Many blind & VI high school and college students participate in rowing at their schools.  For more info contact:
Philly - www.centeronline.com

          Wilmington - www.wyra.org
Youth: (302) 373-8610
Adult: wrcboard@yahoo.com

PARATRIATHLON
          This event will be added to the 2016 Paralympics in Rio de Janeiro.  It will have 3 parts with the proposed rules:
- 750 meter swim (must be tethered to           sighted partner)
- 20K bike (must be on a tandem bike with    sighted pilot)
- 5K run (tether is optional but recommended)
For more info., check www.paralympic.org.

 

CHAPTER ACTIVITIES
DELAWARE (DABA) NEWS

The Delaware Association of Blind Athletes (DABA), a chapter of BSO, seeks players, coaches, helpers, & donated facilities to start goalball, beep baseball, and other programs for youth & adults. Call (302) 999-8074 if you can help.

 

FAMILY BOWLING  
Cost $6 members, $10 non members
SEPT. 10, 1-4pm, at Pleasant Hills Bowl in Wilmington
OCT. 22, 1-4 pm, at Mid-County Lanes in    Middletown
NOV. 5, 1-4pm, at Brunswick Doverama      Lanes in Dover

ADULT BOWLING LEAGUE
          The Wilmington Blind Bowlers Club, partially funded by DABA, is always looking for new members.  Call (302) 764-3361 if you’d like to bowl.

 

AUDIO DARTS
The Wilmington (adult) Audio Dart Club, which is partially funded by DABA, is always looking for people who would like to play on a regular basis. Call Stan at (302) 658-7231.

 

FISHING TRIPS
These fun trips are held twice each summer and are open to any blind or VI plus their family member(s) ages 12 & up.  Limited transportation will be available in DE.  For more info or to sign up, call Patti (302) 999-8074 or William (302) 655-3833. 



CHAPTER FUNDRAISERS
Save-Around-Delaware Coupon Books
Cost $20 per book.  Order by ASAP,
e-mail pattihoj@verizon.net. 

DABA Spirit Nights
Sept. 19, 5-9PM - Friendly’s, Kirkwood Hwy.
Oct. 5, 5:30-8 - Chic-Fil-A, Rt.40 in Bear

DABA DASH – fun run & fundraiser
Spring TBA.  Watch for more info.

 

   

 

BSO-PHILLY CHAPTER NEWS

The BSO-Philly chapter serves the southeastern PA region, but all are welcome.  Please call (302) 836-5784 for more info.

WELCOME New BSO-Philly Board Members: Christy Coughlin, Denise Kemmel, and Kevin Toll. 
Thank you to Bruce Lichtenstein for your many years of service as treasurer.

YOUTH ACTIVITIES
          For ages 7-15.  Resumes Oct. 15 – 1st & 3rd Sat., 10:45am-12:30pm at Overbrook School gym.  We offer a variety of sports and recreational activities, designed to introduce basic sports skills and serve as a fun, social activity.   Call (302) 836-5784 to register.

WOMEN’S GOALBALL
For ages 15 & up.  Resumes Oct. 15 – 1st &  3rd Sat., 1:30- 4:30pm. No experience needed.  Open for recreation or competitive
interests.  For more info. call (302) 836-5784.

MEN’S GOALBALL
          For ages 15 & up.  Resumes Sept. 27. Open to those interested in recreational play or competitive training.  The travel team has openings.  If interested or seeking more info call (610) 352-1389.
                                                             
BEEP-BASEBALL (modified softball)
          BSO’s “Wolfpack” competed in 4 league tournaments, and hosted its annual Phila. Hall of Fame Classic.
The adult program is open to men and women ages 15+, who can follow directions and function fairly independently.  They train and compete from April through July, with some indoor batting practice in the off season.   Practices are held Sunday mornings at Naylor’s Run Park, Upper Darby.
Volunteers needed: All beep-baseball teams need at least 4 or 5 sighted members (plus subs) in addition to 6 or more VI members.  The sighted positions are: pitcher,

catcher, & 2 spotters (field coaches). If you or someone you know would like to play or can help call (302) 352-1389.

JUDO (a Paralympic Martial Art sport)
This program is open to females & males ages 7 & up.  The training program is tailored to your needs/desires.  Do you want to stay in shape, learn self-defense, or compete? For info call Coach Marc (609) 605-3495.  Training partners of similar weight are encouraged. It is held year-round at Overbrook School f/t Blind gym every Sat. 10:30-12:30.
Help - the Judo program needs your help to find ways to raise money to meet expenses. It costs about $150 per yr. per athlete. If you or your business or club can help with a tax-deductible donation, please e-mail info@blindsports.org, or mail to BSO (address at end).   

BOWLING
Youth & Family – Several bowling parties will be planned. Please call Bob at (610) 353-9314 if you are interested in attending or can help.

 Adult Bowling League – call Mike (215) 879-4978 for info.

 

AUDIO DART CLUB
This group gets together most Fridays, 9:30am-12pm at 919 Walnut St.  For info call (215) 438-4285.

*** SUPPORT & SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES***
Funding help is essential in order to maintain programs.

EASY WAYS YOU CAN HELP
- United Way - Donor Choice (ID#9786)
- Giant(grocery) Gift Cardsfrom BSO
- renew/signup Genuardi’s/Safeway card via           eScrip.com
- Search on-line using www.goodsearch.com
- Shop via Goodshop.com (we get a %)
- organize a fund raiser

United Way - Donor Choice
BSO’s Donor Choice number for those in Southeastern PA is 9786, all other areas write our full name & address on the form.

Giant Gift Cards
If you shop at Giant (or are willing to shop at Giant, or have friends who shop there), you can help BSO by purchasing Giant gift cards from BSO.  We receive 5%.  They come in $100 denominations.  To order, call Bob at (610) 353-9314.

eScrip & Genuardi’s, Safeway, & Von’s Markets
These stores (and many others) donate to BSO when shoppers sign up their store card or credit/debit card with eScrip.com (on-line or at the store customer service) and list our ID #2298370. 
IMPORTANT - Store cards must be renewed each Aug 1-Nov 1 by clicking yes at eScrip.com website.  FYI- eScrip.com can also be used for on-line shopping.

GOODSHOP.COM
Do you shop on-line?  Over 200 on-line stores will donate to BSO if you shop through this site and designate Blind Sports Organization.

GOODSEARCH.COM
Do you search the internet?  An easy/free way you, friends, and a group can support BSO is to do web searches using www.goodsearch.com, which is powered by Yahoo!  Every time you search a donation is made to Blind Sports Organization (if you select it). If 500 people conducted 2 searches per day per year, BSO would earn a very needed $3,500.  Please spread the word.

Matching Gift Programs
Hundreds of companies match employee’s donations to non-profit organizations.  Can you help through your company?

In-Kind Donations
We need ice hockey padded shorts & ski goggles.  Also, frequent flyer miles, new or gently used sports equipment, uniforms, protective gear, & office supplies are needed. 

Chapter Fundraisers
Each chapter and sports team tries to raise their own funds, but they can’t do it alone.  Can you help?

Direct Donations & Sponsorships
    This is the easiest and best. You can even direct your tax deductable donation for a specific purpose (i.e. sport, chapter, team, athlete, scholarship, uniforms, etc.).  Please make checks payable to BSO and send to: 465 Maplewood Road, Springfield, PA 19064 – or – go to our website and use PayPal.

Many THANKS for  SUPPORT 
To our members, families, friends, clubs, businesses, Lions, OSB, DGs, & United Way.  All are essential to keep offering fitness, recreation, & self-esteem building programs, and involve more youth & adults.

 

PARALYMPIC SPORT NEWS

         
There are 12 sport competitions for blind and visually impaired at many levels (i.e. local, regional, national, Pan-American, World Games, and Paralympics).   
The Paralympics is the highest level of international sport competition.  It is held in the Olympic facilities every 4 years about 2 weeks after the Olympics.  The next Summer Paralympics will be in London (England) - Aug. 29-Sept. 2012.

          The next winter Paralympics will be in Russia Mar. 7-16, 2014.


The 2016 summer Paralympics will be in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.  

 

 

          Participation in higher levels of blind sports is mostly based on meeting standards and being selected for an All-Star USA team.  BSO has had many athletes (and 3 coaches) participate at higher levels. Some of them now help us coach or serve on our Boards of Directors.
In addition to fitness and recreation activities, BSO provides an opportunity for sport participation and advancement to higher levels in Judo, Goalball, Beep Baseball, and Running.  To participate or advance in the other sports (listed below), one must get involved in a sighted program and let us know, so we can help promote your desires (dreams).

          Here is a list of the Paralympic Sports for Blind & VI.  For additional info go to www.USParalympic.org:
Winter Paralympic Games
Alpine (Downhill) Skiing
Nordic (Cross Country) Skiing
Biathlon (cross country skiing & rifle)

Summer Paralympic Games
          Cycling (tandem bicycle racing)
Equestrian
Goalball
Judo
Paratriathlon (to be added in 2016)    
Rowing (was added in 2008)
Sailing
Swimming
Track & Field
  
For more information about the Paralympic movement, check www.usparalympics.org or www.paralympic.org.

 

 

HOW TO STAY INFORMED
- If you want to be on a BSO e-mail notice list for the newsletter, sports, special events, or youth activities, send your name and the list(s) you wish to receive to: info@blindsports.org, or call (302) 836-5784.
- Check www.blindsports.org
- If you are interested participating, coaching, or helping in sport, recreation, or fitness, we look forward to seeing you at our future activities.

WEBSITE LINKS NEEDED
          Website links help all improve communication.  We would like to include links to all agencies that provide VI services on our website and we would like to have our link on your site.  Please send your site to our webmaster and add www.blindsports.org to yours. THANKS!!

Editors’ Notes – This newsletter is compiled from many sources by Sandy White and edited by Heidi White on behalf of BSO.  It is available on-line at www.blindsports.org. 
***
Action required

In 2009, in an effort to save energy, money, & trees, and to reduce our carbon footprint, we indicated that we would no longer mass-mail our newsletters.  We said that future newsletters will be available: by e-mail and on the web.  We distribute one snail mail version each Fall. To receive e-mail updates, please send your name and e-mail to: info@blindsports.org.    

VI Sport Contacts in Mid-Atlantic Region
Blind Sports Organization (Main Office)
          (302) 836-5784
info@blindsports.org
www.blindsports.org
Delaware Chapter (DABA)
          Patti: (302) 999-8074
BSO-Philly Chapter
Youth: Tina – (610) 666-7842
Judo: Marc – (609) 605-3495
Beep-Baseball – (610) 352-1389
Goalball-Men – (610) 352-1389
Goalball-Women – (302) 836-5784
Run/Walk Club: Dan – (215) 849-9122

Western PA & Pittsburgh Area
Dian: (724) 935-2395
Wendy: (724) 738-2791
New Jersey (ABANJ)
Sharon: cfg1@psu.edu
New York (NYABA)
          Dan: (516) 997-7873
www.nyaba.org
Mid-Atlantic Blind Golfers
          Norman: (215) 884-6589
PA Center for Adapted Sports
          www.centeronline.com
Audio-Darts
Philly: Arnold - (215) 438-4285
Wilmington: Stan - (302) 658-7231
Bowling
Philadelphia Area
Youth: Bob - (610) 353-9314
Adult: Mike - (215) 879-4978
Wilmington:
Adult League: (302) 764-3361
                    Family: Patti - (302) 999-8074

USABA
          New Mailing Address:
1 Olympic Plaza
Colorado Springs, CO  80909
          Phone Number: (719) 866-3224
www.usaba.org