News

How to Become a Goalball Official

by Sierra Romero Goalball has been a sport for 73 years, each year bringing more talent and excitement to the court. As goalball continues to grow, there is also the need for more goalball officials. A goalball official is the same as a referee in any other sport. Their job is to uphold the rules and maintain the flow of the game. Goalball officials are usually volunteers who have received training or certification to ensure high-quality officiating. To gain a better understanding of what this position looks like, Linda Welborn, a goalball official, provided a peek into her life and… Read More

Blind Soccer Talent ID Camp Held in Chula Vista

by Sierra Romero Twelve athletes gathered in Chula Vista, Calif., Dec. 6-9, to participate in a 5-a-side soccer talent identification camp hosted by the United States Association of Blind Athletes. Athletes and coaches, ages 17-36, spent two full days training at the Elite Athlete Training Center, a recognized Olympic and Paralympic Training Site. 5-a-side soccer, also known as blind football, has been played in the Paralympic Games since 2004, but the U.S. has never fielded a team. With Los Angeles set to host the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2028, the U.S. will have an automatic entry into the 5-a-side… Read More

More Than 120 Runners and Guides Compete at USABA Marathon National Championships

Athletes from across the U.S. – and around the world – traveled to Sacramento in early December for the 2019 USABA Marathon National Championships. Fifty runners, including nine military veterans, and more than 70 guides joined USABA for the 11th anniversary of the event. Chaz Davis (Boston, Mass.) and Jody Westbrook (San Francisco, Calif.) earned national titles and Johannes-Reinhard Hupe (Germany) and Westbrook were honored with Richard Hunter Excellence in Running Awards. 2019 Marathon National Championships – Full Results Download In addition to the race on Sunday, runners and guides enjoyed multiple gatherings and meals together to introduce them to opportunities available… Read More

2019 USABA Marathon Nationals to Feature More Than 110 Athletes

Since 2008, the U.S. Association of Blind Athletes (USABA) has partnered with Sacramento Running Association to make the California International Marathon (CIM) inclusive for runners with visual impairments. This year, the group of more than 110 blind runners and guides includes military veterans, local runners, international runners and Paralympic athletes. It’s a weekend affair for this group of runners and guides with multiple community meals and gatherings where they’re able to mingle and get to know one another and culminates with an awards ceremony Sunday afternoon. USABA Sports Club and partner Sacramento Society for the Blind will host a dinner… Read More

Nine Veterans to Compete at USABA Marathon Nationals

by Sierra Romero Next month, 52 athletes who are blind or visually impaired -- from all across the United States -- will travel to Sacramento, Calif., to compete in the United States Association of Blind Athletes’ 2019 Marathon National Championships, in conjunction with the California International Marathon. Of those 52 athletes, nine of them are veterans. On this Veterans Day, we salute both their dedication to their country and to a healthy, active lifestyle. Steven Baskis, 33, is a multisport athlete from Montrose, Colo. While serving in Iraq in 2008, Baskis was injured by an improvised explosive device, causing him… Read More