Hello, 

Northwest Association for Blind Athletes (NWABA) is celebrating 10 years of its Winter Ski & Snowboard Series with Mt. Hood Meadows and the Meadows Learning Center. The eight-week program, launching tomorrow, January 7, removes financial barriers for blind and visually impaired athletes by covering instruction, equipment, lift passes, and transportation, supporting 300+ athletes over the past decade with 30+ participants each season.

Supporting 2025 b-roll and photography are available here, and outlets interested in on-site coverage or interviews may contact me directly.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NWABA Celebrates 10 Years of Its Winter Sports Series with Mt. Hood Meadows, Empowering Blind and Visually Impaired Athletes

Vancouver, Washington— January 6, 2026 — Northwest Association for Blind Athletes (NWABA) proudly celebrates a major milestone this winter: 10 years of providing adaptive ski and snowboard opportunities for children, youth, and adults who are blind or visually impaired through its annual Winter Sports Series in partnership with Mt. Hood Meadows and its Meadows Learning Center.

NWABA’s eight-week Winter Ski & Snowboard Series officially kicks off on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, at Mt. Hood Meadows Ski Resort. Open to athletes of all ages and abilities, the program removes financial barriers by covering the full cost of instruction, equipment rentals, lift passes, and transportation, eliminating expenses that can exceed $600 per participant each season. Athletes of all experience levels are supported, from beginners to advanced riders, through one-on-one support from Mt. Hood Meadows specially trained instructors equipped with communication tools such as in-helmet two-way radios that promote independence while ensuring safety.

“We are incredibly grateful for the community, partners, and athletes who have made the past ten years possible,” said Billy Henry, NWABA Founder and President. “Living near the mountains gives our athletes the opportunity to experience the thrill of winter sports, something that has a lasting impact on their confidence and independence.”

As part of its continued growth, NWABA serves athletes in Idaho by partnering with Boise Adapted Snowsport Education (BASE) to offer skiing and snowboarding at Bogus Basin Ski Resort, extending its impact beyond Oregon and Washington.

Over the past ten years, NWABA’s Winter Sports Series has supported more than 300 blind and visually impaired athletes, with over 30 athletes hitting the slopes each season, proving that adventure belongs to everyone.

To learn more about NWABA’s winter programming or find an event near you, visit www.nwaba.org and follow NWABA as the season transitions into spring with tandem biking, hiking, and more.

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About NWABA

The mission of Northwest Association for Blind Athletes is to provide life-changing opportunities through sports and physical activity to individuals who are blind and visually impaired. Today, NWABA is a rapidly expanding 501(c)(3) charitable organization that provides more than 5,000 program and service interactions to children, youth, adults, and military veterans with visual impairments through tailored programming which improves self-confidence and self-esteem, promotes independence, creates an inclusive community of supporters, and builds the skills necessary to succeed in all areas of life including school and employment.