The Blind Sports Organization (BSO)(formerly the Pennsylvania Association for Blind Athletes (PABA) has promoted, advocated, and provided sports, recreation, fitness, and social opportunities for blind and visually impaired youth and adults since 1974.

BSO encourages: regular exercise, basic physical skills education, interactive play & socialization, involvement in community activities, and attendance at various BSO sponsored sports clinics, practices, and competitons (including our annual Northeast Regional Games).

Description:
BSO is:

• A non-profit organization which promotes and educates the public about the need for equal opportunities in sports, recreation, and fitness for people who are blind or visually impaired.
• The parent organization for VI sports clubs (chapters). We can help you develop a chapter in your area.
  
  
• The creator and host of the annual Davidow-Northeast Regional Games. Since 1987, this is an annual spring weekend of sports clinics and competitions for all abilities ages 7-97. Sports offered include: swimming, track & field, soccer, goalball, tandem cycling, judo, wrestling, powerlifting, golf, etc.
  
  
• The creator of the Mid-Atlantic Goalball League and host of 3 winter tournaments annually.
  
  
• The creator/tri-host of the annual Mid-Atlantic Sport Day at the Univ. of Delaware.
  
  
• The co-creator of the SEPA Walk/Run Club.
  
  
• The creator of the 1st Soccer clinic (1999) and competition (2002) in the U.S.
  
  
• The creator and host of the Mid-Atlantic Track Meet each spring.
  
  

• The source of state All-Star teams for regional and national competition.
  
  
• Partner & advocate with various community recreation/sports groups.
  
  
• Promoter of equal community & school sports & recreation for blind.
  
  
• Affiliated with the United States Association for Blind Athletes (USABA), International Blind Sports Association (IBSA, and the American Softball Association.



History:
BSO was started in 1974 by Dr. Mae Davidow, a blind teacher, who believed that blind & visually impaired public school students and adults needed opportunities to benefit from physical and social activities.
Currently, BSO has 4 chapters: BSO-West (Pittsburgh area), BSO-Central(Harrisburg area), BSO- Philly area, and BSO-Baltimore area. BSO is a non-profit, tax-exempt, 501(c)(3), public service organization that accepts tax-deductible donations. BSO is a United Way Donor Choice agency.



Contact people:


Sandy White, Sports Administrator, (phone), (email) Wendy Smith, Volunteer Coordinator, (phone), (email) Heidi White, President, (phone)


Office fax number: (302) 836-5084

Address:


465 Maplewood Road Springfield, PA 19064 (See a map)


Web Site: http://www.blindsports.org

Directions:

We use various venues for different activities. Most venues are located near public transportation. For maps or information, please see http://www.septa.com/

Miscellaneous Information

Are court referrals welcomed?
	No

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