FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 2, 2007
Colorado Springs Students to welcome Blind Youth from 26 countries
and taught lessons by Olympians and Paralympians
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo.— The U.S. Association of Blind Athletes (USABA) will host the 2007 International Blind Sports Association (IBSA) World Youth and Student Games, July 12 -16. Over 300 blind youths from 26 countries to compete in four sports. Colorado College will serve as the athlete village and competition venue for judo and goalball. Swimming events will be held at the U.S. Olympic Training Center and track & field will be held at St. Mary’s Grace Center.
USABA will kick-off the festivities with an Olympic style parade of nations which will include blind youth and hundreds of Colorado Springs school children on July 12, 6:30 pm, Colorado College Washburn Field. The ceremonies will also feature a live rhythmic concert by KISSIDUGU, an exciting high-octane drum & dance troupe, with rarely seen high-flying Guinea "dun dun dancing" and explosive West African percussion.
Spectator tickets are $7 and can be purchased in advance on-line or contact USABA at 719-630-0422 ext. 10.
In conjunction with the IBSA World Youth and Student Games, USABA and Divine Redeemer School are teaming up to provide children, ages 5-12, a unique and world-class opportunity for growth. Camp Vision, hosted by Divine Redeemer School, July 9 – 13, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm., will give Colorado Springs school children the opportunity to get to know blind competitors from IBSA’s World Youth and Student Games, be taught by Olympic and Paralympic athletes about overcoming adversity, language, culture, disabilities, and everyone’s abilities.
Register for Camp Vision on-line or contact Kim King
kim@thekinglink.com or 633-5559 ext. 127.
The U.S. Association of Blind Athletes is a non-profit organization member of the United States Olympic Committee whose mission is to ensure that the blind and visually impaired have the same sport competition and training opportunities as their sighted counterparts. USABA strives to educate the public about the misconceptions of the blind and disabled through its athletes and sporting events.