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.

Clarkston, WA — Clarkston School District and TriState Health will host a community information meeting on Thursday, January 15, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. in the Clarkston School District Board Room (1294 Chestnut Street) to share details about the new School-Based Health Center (SBHC) coming to Clarkston High School.

The SBHC will be operated in partnership with TriState Health and will provide students with access to primary medical care, mental and behavioral health services, and care coordination. The center is designed to improve access to care and support student health and academic success.

The meeting will include an overview of the project, the next steps in the development of the clinic, and an opportunity for community questions.

Meeting Details

Date: Thursday, January 15, 2026
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Location: Clarkston School District Board Room
1294 Chestnut Street, Clarkston, WA

The project is funded through state and legislative grants, with renovations to the high school’s T-Building scheduled to begin soon.

Community members are encouraged to attend.


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