MWABA Newsletter: Goalball and Tandem Ride on March 9, Hike on March 17, New Captain Training on April 4, Brain Study at Georgetown, and Athlete Platform Pilot Project Opportunity

March 5, 2024

Hello MWABA,


Come out to Goalball on Saturday, March 9.

Tandem rides are getting back into full swing! First up, we need more captains for our ride on Saturday, March 9, which will start at Eastern Market at about 1 p.m. To ride on Saturday, sign up here by Tuesday:
https://forms.gle/nU9R8MEXdiJMWoEU6

Next week, we resume our regular Thursday night tandem rides, starting with a ride from Bethesda on March 14 at 6 p.m. To ride on March 14, sign up here by March 12:
https://forms.gle/t8WZD7XQDSTn4b9z7

Join us for an unforgettable adventure as we explore the breathtaking trails of Rock Creek Park! On Sunday, March 17th, at 9 am, we’ll gather at Pierce Mill (2401 Tilden St. NW, Washington DC) for a day of exploration and relaxation amidst the serene beauty of nature. This hike isn’t just about enjoying the scenery – it’s also an opportunity to learn. We’re excited to announce that this will be an introductory workshop on hiking self-guiding techniques for individuals who are blind or visually impaired. Together, we’ll discover the joys of navigating nature’s wonders through innovative methods and supportive guidance. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or new to the trails, all are welcome to join us on this rejuvenating journey. Plus, we’re seeking volunteers and guides to help ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience for everyone. If you’re interested in participating as either a blind hiker or sighted guide, please fill out the form so we can get an accurate head count. Mark your calendars and get ready to embark on an enriching and inclusive outdoor adventure!
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdfvU-TE8oIM4qYhcPXX9G5vX-XduoAA5ehiUFBjPj3OD0Hkg/viewform?pli=1

Spread the Word About, and Sign up for, New Tandem Captain Training. As we look forward to starting up our weeknight tandem rides again this spring, we will be having a training for new captains as we do at the beginning of each tandem season. This year the new captain training is set for Thursday, April 4. As always, we can use help from experienced stokers willing to ride with new captains and experienced captains willing to share their tips and tricks with those new to tandem cycling. If you’d like to help out on April 4, please sign up at the link below. We could also use your help in spreading the word about this event to your friends, colleagues and social media networks by circulating the blurb below:

Cyclists Needed! Learn how to be a tandem captain with the Metro Washington Association of Blind Athletes (MWABA)! Come to a training on 4/4 co-hosted by MWABA and the Washington Area Bicyclist Association (WABA) at the Eastern Market Metro. Stop by anytime between 5:30-7:30 PM to try out tandem biking and experience the fun and camaraderie of tandems! MWABA provides the tandem bikes and trains interested captains and stokers. We ride on Thursday nights, alternating between meeting in Eastern Market and riding on the Anacostia Trail; and meeting in Bethesda and riding on the Capital Crescent Trail. We also do weekend rides. We can set up separate trainings for people who aren’t available on the 4th. Sign up at:
https://forms.gle/3jp1Yfzp39UoEQ5H7
to join us for the April 4th training, or to express interest in cycling with us even if that date doesn’t work for you. Email: mwaba.inc if you have any questions.

Are you blind from birth or from infancy?Are you curious about how your brain reorganized to hear, touch or remember better than your sighted friends? Come take part in a new behavioral and imaging (fMRI) study at Georgetown University Medical Center, and let’s learn together about how the brain can plastically change.The study takes two sessions of 90 minutes to complete in the fMRI scanner, and one more session outside the scanner. You will be compensated at a rate of $50 per hour of fMRI and $25 per hour of non-scanner experiment. For more detail, contact Prof. Ella Striem-Amit (Preferably – by email: SAMPLab_recruitment, Office phone 202-687-8329).

"Attention: Adaptive-BVI Athletes & Coaches wanted for exciting Pilot Program."
FUTPlayerCards.com, a sports technology company, is inviting athletes, coaches, and educators to participate in a 60-90 day pilot program. Applicants of any skill, age, location, and experience level are welcome. The program is simple, fun, and educational. There is no fee, obligation, or compensation to be part of the pilot program. The deadline to apply online is March 15, 2024. Check out the link below to learn more:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Keorr_bqq560Frca64QZdjRbYC9Z77XL/view?usp=drivesdk

See you out there!

Metro Washington Association of Blind Athletes
Sports and fun for everyone!
https://gomwaba.org