Press Releases

For Immediate Release
June 23, 2011

For more information, contact
John Follaco
(585) 395-5159
jfollaco@brockport.edu

Camp Abilities Spurs Fitness in Children with Visual Impairments

Brockport hosts 16th annual developmental sports camp

BROCKPORT, NY—If the 56 campers that descended on The College at Brockport, State University of New York, June 26 didn't already believe they could do anything, they did by the time they left.

Brockport hosted its 16th edition of Camp Abilities—a one-week developmental sports camp for children who are visually impaired, blind or deafblind—June 26 through July 2. The camp is designed to provide these children, aged 9-19, with the opportunity to experience and excel at sports activities.

What kind of sports could these children possibly participate in? Loads of them. Campers will play baseball, basketball, swim, fish, rock climb, canoe and compete in archery, among other activities.

“One of the major goals of Camp Abilities is to open children with visual impairments up to the physical and psychological benefits of physical activity,” says Lauren Lieberman, PhD, professor of kinesiology, sports studies and physical education and the creator of Camp Abilities. “We want to help them improve their health and well-being.”

Paralympic swimmer Trischa Zorn-Hudson delivered a keynote address during the camp’s opening ceremonies. Zorn-Hudson is the most decorated Olympian or Paralympian in history, having won more than 40 medals. She also served as a swim instructor during the camp.

Visitors from Nebraska, Washington, Ireland and Costa Rica were on hand to either learn how to launch their own Camp Abilities or to seek ideas to improve their existing camp.

To learn more about Camp Abilities, which draws children from all over New York State and several other states, visit its website.

YNN news coverage of Camp Abilities

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The College at Brockport, State University of New York
350 New Campus Drive * Brockport, New York 14420-2931
(585) 395-2754 * FAX (585) 395-2723 * www.brockport.edu