Press release:

The Northwest Association for Blind Athletes (NWABA) has announced that it will be hosting a 2013 Paralympic Experience in SeaTac in conjunction with U.S. Paralympics, a division of the U.S. Olympic Committee.

The event is scheduled for Saturday, May 11th at the Tyee Educational Complex, 4424 S. 188th St. It is open to all K-12 students with visual impairments across the state of Washington.

"We are very excited to announce our Paralympic experience for students who are blind and visually impaired. This event will introduce students to several different sports, and give them the opportunity to learn more about the Paralympic games," said Executive Director Billy Henry

"The Paralympic Experience program encourages physical fitness and overall well-being for individuals with physical and visual disabilities, and we are thrilled to be working with Northwest Association for Blind Athletes (NWABA) on this initiative," said Charlie Huebner, USOC Chief of Paralympics.

"Research shows that individuals with physical and visual disabilities who participate in physical activity are healthier, more successful in school, have great access to employment opportunities and have an enhanced quality of life."

The event will give K-12 students with visual impairments an opportunity to participate in Goalball (a sport specifically designed for individuals who are blind and visually impaired), judo, and tandem cycling. For more information on the Northwest Association for Blind Athletes, please contact Billy Henry at 1-360-448-7254, or visit www.nwaba.org

About NWABA:
Northwest Association for Blind Athletes (NWABA) is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization that provides programming to over 1,000 individuals of all ages and ability levels with visual impairments. The mission of NWABA is to provide life-changing opportunities through sports and physical activity to individuals who are blind and visually impaired. The Association was formed by a group of visually impaired students in 2007 to ensure that people who are blind were participating in sports and physical activity.

About U.S. Paralympics:
U.S. Paralympics, a division of the U.S. Olympic Committee, is dedicated to becoming the world leader in the Paralympic sports movement and to promoting excellence in the lives of persons with physical disabilities. Visit the U.S. Paralympics Web site at www.usparalympics.org.