Colorado Springs to Host USABA Fall Goalball Camp

Thanks to a grant from Veterans Affairs, The United States Association of Blind Athletes (USABA) is pleased to announce that we will be hosting a goalball training camp for beginner and intermediate players in Colorado Springs, CO from November 9-13, 2014. The focus of this camp is active duty military and veterans who have experienced vision loss, but all blind or VI athletes are eligible to apply to learn more about the game or sharpen their skills. Participants will get the chance to train with instruction from U.S. National team players and coaches. Anyone who has experience with Goalball up to the intermediate level is encouraged to apply.

• Camp Dates: November 9-13, 2014 (Including travel days)

• Location: Olympic Training Center, Colorado Springs, CO.

• Non military athletes will be responsible for making their own travel arrangements with arrivals on November 9 and departures on November 13 into Colorado Springs (COS)

• Application Deadline: October 3, 2014

• Camp Fee for non-military veterans: $200; Covers:

  • Room & board at the Olympic Training Center

  • Sports med support

  • Transportation to and from the airport and throughout the week

Athletes at the camp will learn:

• Basic goalball skills (blocking, defensive positioning, throwing, game strategy and communication)

• Two practices per day Tuesday through Wednesday

• Classroom sessions including film review and theoretical game discussion

• Athletes must possess the physical fitness to make it through the duration of the camp

We are also pleased to invite up to five (5) interested coaches to attend and enhance their own goalball knowledge. Funding will be available for approved coaches (VA staff and other community coaches). No prior goalball experience is required; however, we will be looking for applicants who have an interest in building goalball programs in their community or having a continued involvement with the USABA Goalball Program. Coach attendees will learn how to:

• Teach skills and drills

• Coach game situations

• Referee effectively

Athletes interested in applying should fill out the application by clicking here by October 3, 2014.

Interested coaches and VA staff must provide a cover letter to Matt Simpson at USABA (msimpson@usaba.org) by no later than October 3, 2014. Include details on your interest in the camp, your previous goalball experience and how you would hope to use the camp to develop the sport of goalball in your community or with blind veterans. Direct any questions to Matt Simpson at msimpson@usaba.org or call (719) 866-3019.