Article Source: U.S. Association of Blind Athletes

Blind and visually impaired skiers take to the slopes in Breckenridge, March 13-14

Colorado Springs, CO  (March 3, 2010) – Sponsored by Anthem Life, The United States Association of Blind Athletes (USABA) is pleased to announce a Learn to Ski/Learn to Race Alpine Ski Festival to be held in Breckenridge, CO. Friday, March 12 through Sunday, March 14. Eighteen athletes who are blind or visually impaired of all ages and abilities will be given the opportunity to learn to ski and learn to race using the trained guides by Breckenridge Outdoor Education Center.
 
“With the generous support from Anthem Life, The United States Association of Blind Athletes is pleased to partner with the Breckenridge Outdoor Education Center to provide a meaningful opportunity for skiers who are blind and visually impaired including military service members and veterans with eye injuries,” said Mark Lucas, USABA’s Executive Director.

Article Source: 9News Denver

WINTER PARK - Lauren Samuels knows there is a reality out there when you look around any ski resort in America - you will find few African-American skiers. She is part of a movement working to change all that.
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"I'm not going to lie, it's pretty fun when I'm like, 'Oh, there's an African-American skiing,'" Samuels said. She is a member of the National Brotherhood of Skiers. Since 1974, the NBS has been working to promote skiing within the black community.

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Article Source: CNN

(CNN) Despite the adversity faced by competitors living in areas of the world where sub-zero temperatures are uncommon, the history of African athletes competing at the Winter Olympics is surprisingly rich.

The Winter Games has seen a further chapter added with Ghana's one-man ski team, or Kwame-Nkrumah Acheampong as he is otherwise known, qualifying to compete in the Canada showpiece.

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Article Source: United States Association of Blind Athletes

As you cheer on your favorite athlete in Vancouver, some blind and visually impaired athletes got a chance to learn the ropes of their favorite sports in Southern Colorado.
 
Teens from Los Angeles, California visited the U. S. Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs this weekend, and they were doing more than just building muscle.
 
"I am an athlete at my school. So, I will be lettering in Water Polo," says 16-year-old Bryanna Stubbert, a visually-impaired athlete. "I've participated in wrestling the last four years at my high school," says 17-year-old Anthony Melena, who competes without his sense of sight. Bryanna and Anthony enjoy participating in sports, despite having a disability.
 
They are part of the Los Angeles-based non-profit, Junior Blind of America."There's more of a challenge for a youngster who is blind or visually impaired," says Mark Lucas, Executive Director for The United States Association of Blind Athletes.
 
Learning from coaches, Paralympic and Olympic athletes is inspirational for these young competitors. "Looking around and seeing the athletes, they amaze me because of all the time and dedication," says Stubbert. "Ever since I got here...I have been dreaming of coming out here to train," says Melena.