 |
Welcome to the Optimist Junior Blind Olympics - sponsored and hosted by Junior Blind of America© and the Optimist Blind
Youth Association (OBYA) (founded in 1972) representing Optimist Clubs
* in the Pacific Southwest, Pacific Southeast and Cal
South districts of Optimist International.
April 28, 2012 is the date for our 8th Olympics with Junior Blind of America and OBYA's 40th annual Optimist Blind
Olympics.
The Olympics is open to all legally blind youth from 6 to 19 years old. In the past, in addition
to athletes from Los Angeles and surrounding areas, participants have come from Arizona,
Nevada, Utah, North Carolina, Delaware, Massachusetts, Texas and Georgia.
We urge Optimist Clubs from throughout Optimist International as well as other wonderful service organizations to sponsor
athletes and allow them the opportunity to attend and 'go for the gold' - to compete in the Olympics with young people their
ages with similar challenges.
These visually impaired youth compete in the 100 yard dash, running long jump, archery,
rowing, shot-put, rock wall climbing and goal-ball - the hottest game around. The athletes
go home with medals, new senses of acceptance, achievement and independence.
For many athletes, the Olympics is the highlight of their year. Surely the smiles on their
faces will last in their hearts and ours forever.
For Optimists, April 28th, 2012 will be our 40th Olympics - are we tired? No, we are
invigorated! We will be meeting with Junior Blind of America and brainstorming to make
the event even more challenging and more meaningful than the year before - for all the
athletes and spectators.
OBYA has always supported 'out-of-state' athletes in their quest to belong - to fit in and
excel! Athletes get to meet athletes from other areas and states and many remain
friends. We get to see many of the children grow up from 6 to 19. What a thrill! It's an
extraordinary day and we hope in 2012 you will make it yours too!
For many youth, it is totally a memorable week-end - the excitement of the Olympics, lots of
fun and good food, housing, taking in a movie designed for the visually impaired (thanks to
RP International), amusement parks and Junior Blind of America's marvelous
Camp Bloomfield and lots of events, food and sometimes even the beach.
Support the Optimist Blind Youth Association (OBYA) so we can continue bringing new
opportunities for self-esteem and recognition these youth so deserve in their journey
to adulthood.
We need your help. Let us know if there are a group of children you would like to sponsor or send to Los Angeles for this
event; if you have a group of local children, let us know that too!
As Winston Churchill said, "Never, never, never, never, never give up" - Well, OBYA and Optimists won't.
That's who we are!
* Optimist Blind Youth Association (OBYA) and Optimist Clubs are part of Optimist
International - an organization almost 100 years old that dedicates itself to 'bringing
out the best in kids' - We are 'friends of youth.'
Please become a part of this impressive event and send your tax-deductible donations to:
Optimist Blind Youth Association
Dara Laski, President
Post Office Box 5208
West Hills, California 91308
Please email OBYA at DaraLynnInc@aol.com or telephone Dara at
818-883-8996.
|
|
|
| |
