A team representing the Northwest Association of Blind Athletes won the bronze medal at a goalball tournament in Vancouver that drew teams from around the country.
The Cascade Classic was played Friday through Sunday at the Washington State School for the Blind. Teams from Georgia won both the men’s and women’s tournaments. Eight teams competed in each.
Goalball is a Paralympic court sport played by athletes who are blind and visually impaired. Goalball was developed after World War II as a way to keep blinded veterans physically active.
After losing a competitive semifinal match, the NWABA Avalanche finished third in the men’s tournament. Players for the Avalanche were Nathan Purcell, John Hinman, Nov Gnik and Miguel Pena.
In the men’s tournament, Atlanta beat the Utah Explosion for the championship. The Rose City Thorns, the other entry from the region, placed seventh.
In the women’s tournament, the Georgia Phantoms finished first and Rose City teams from Portland placed third and fourth.
Marla Runyan to speak at NWABA event
Former Olympic distance runner Marla Runyan will be among five featured speakers at a Feb. 28 fund-raising event for the Northwest Association of Blind Athletes.
The Northwest Association for Blind Athletes Bring It! Dinner and Auction will be at the Hilton Vancouver. Doors open at 6 p.m.
The event will raise funds to help the Vancouver-based non-profit provide sports and physical activity to more than 1,000 individuals of all ages and abilities who are blind and visually impaired.
Also slated to speak are three-time Paralympic Games athlete Karissa Whitsell, judo Paralympics medalist Brett Lewis, international dragon boat racing medalist Char Cook, and James Nealey, a veteran and organizer of the Boise Blaze goalball team.
Individual tickets cost $75. Other sponsorships and donation opportunities are available.
To reserve tickets or to learn more about the event, call 360-448-7254 or send email to: development@nwaba.org. To learn about the NWABA, visit www.nwaba.org.
Fort Vancouver LL hosts Saturday tryout
Fort Vancouver Little League will hold tryouts and a sign-up opportunity from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Saturday at its fields.
Fort Vancouver Little League fields are located at 1301 E. Mill Plain Blvd., across from Hudson’s Bay High School.
To learn more, contact Dave Wallis at 360-696-2994.
Other area Little Leagues are wrapping up registration this month in preparation for the spring seasons.
Details are available by visiting league websites or at district-level Little League websites: www.district4wa.com and www.district6wa.org.
VGSA softball registration
The Vancouver Girls Softball Association will hold in-person registration from 5 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday at the VGSA Complex. The complex is 800 N.E. 117th St.
VGSA offers girls fastpitch softball for ages 5-18. Online registration remains open by visiting www.vancouvergirlssoftball.com.
Free youth hockey clinic slated
The Vancouver Youth Hockey Association is hosting a free chance for boys and girls ages 4-9 to try ice hockey. The clinic runs 8:30 to 9: 45 a.m. on Feb. 21 at Mountain View Ice Arena in Vancouver.
“We look forward to introducing new families to our sport,” said Bob Knoerl, manager of Mountain View Ice Arena. “To help keep costs reasonable for parents, we’ve incorporated programs to provide first-year players with equipment for the season.”
To register a child for this clinic, visit www.TryHockeyForFree.com. To learn more, contact Jason Hirt at 360-896-8700 extension 24, or by email to jasonhirt@gmail.com.
COMMUNITY SPORTS NEWS is published each Tuesday. Submit items by sending email to paul.danzer@columbian.com or call 360-735-4521.
