Where are you from and how long have you been in the Metro DC area?
I was born and raised in Jackson MS. I have lived in the DMV since 2012.
What MWABA sport or activity are you involved in?
Coach and play Goalball, hiking, tandem cycling, blind Cricket, beep kickball, kayaking, soon to camp with the club.
How did you first get involved with MWABA?
After DC EyeCycle dissolved, we gave our tandem bikes to a new adapted sports organization just getting off the ground called Metro Washington Association of Blind Athletes. I am proud that the service organization I worked for was a major sponsor in helping MWABA acquire a helpful variety of equipment and providing some storage to the club. I got heavily involved with goalball. I participated in our game nights which are really fun. I promote MWABA to those who are looking for an opportunity to volunteer and learn about a new sport or way of participating in a sport such as tandem cycling.
Can you tell us a little about your experience with your sport or activity? How has it impacted you?
All activities give me an opportunity to be active. Each sport connects with my need to achieve physical goals. Goalball gives me an opportunity to coach and encourage others to work and succeed as a team. The club gives me outlets for connecting with other active people in the area for vigorous activities and fantastic socialization. Oh yes, we have some great parties! The activities of the club give me something to look forward to. Something to talk about, something to be proud of.
What has been the best part about being involved with MWABA?
The people are the best part of MWABA. The community acknowledgement is incredible. We are a thriving club. We have and continue to prepare individuals to ascend to the highest levels of the game in goalball. We have cycle gurus who are members and captains with our tandem cycling activities. These relationships are critical and very much nurtured. Our volunteers come and setup the court, take bikes home and clean them, drive teams up and down the east coast, become coaches and referees, etc. etc. Additionally, the plethora and variety of activities is second to none. There is something for the many. From the light and social to the rigorous and vigorous MWABA has something to keep you moving.
What is something that people might not know about you?
I was once an introvert.
Do you have any fitness or personal goals you hope to accomplish this year that you would like to share?
I look forward to much success with my goalball activities. I also look forward to being part of the first US Men’s national blind Cricket team and competing and winning this year. Plank for an hour.
Any advice for younger blind athletes or for someone thinking about coming out to a MWABA event for the first time?
Just Do It! Try what you can at least twice. Take up a sport, bust a sweat, pick up some wisdom and trash talking chops, find community with us.