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Hundreds of Blind and Visually Impaired Children Compete for the Gold   (2006-03-16)
  by PRNewswire

Junior Blind of America, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping blind and visually impaired children develop independence and self-esteem, and the Optimist Blind Youth Association, a non-profit organization committed to meeting the needs of communities and their blind youth, co-host the 2nd annual Junior Blind Olympics, on March 18, 2006, from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Junior Blind of America, 5300 Angeles Vista Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90043.

Blind and visually impaired children, ages 6 to 19, will compete in Olympic-style events including shot put; long jump; high jump; numerous races; and Goalball, a game developed specifically for the blind and visually impaired. A turnout of more than 600 participants and their families is anticipated from California and across the nation.

"The Junior Blind Olympics provides an inspirational opportunity for blind and visually impaired children to challenge their abilities, surmount sight barriers and achieve their dreams," explained Junior Blind of America's Jay Allen, Executive Vice President and COO. "The activities challenge them to develop critical life skills, build self-esteem and independence, and redefine who they are and what they are capable of achieving." Dee Gadbury, President of the Optimists Blind Youth Association, echoes this excitement, adding, "We look forward to a day of having fun, making friends, and celebrating the spirit of achievement."

ABOUT JUNIOR BLIND OF AMERICA

Since 1953, Junior Blind of America has remained deeply committed to helping blind and visually impaired people of all ages achieve an essential cornerstone of personal dignity -- independence. Each year, Junior Blind of America provides services to thousands of individuals and their families in six nationally recognized programs that offer innovative and individualized methods of education, recreation, training and rehabilitation. These life- changing programs are designed to empower infants, children, teens and adults to reach their highest level of potential, independence and self-esteem. The organization's more than half-century of service has earned a four-star rating by one of the nation's leading donor guides, Charity Navigator, the highest rating granted by the public service. To learn more, please visit http://www.juniorblind.org.

For more information or additional materials regarding the Junior Blind Olympics or Junior Blind of America, please contact Lauri Gavel, Vice President, Marketing, at 323.295.4555, ext. 225, or via email at lgavel@juniorblind.org.

ABOUT OPTIMIST BLIND YOUTH ASSOCIATION

OBYA is a separate foundation working under the umbrella of Optimist International to continue "Bringing out the best in kids" by co-sponsoring the Junior Blind Olympics. The membership consists of dedicated members of Optimist Clubs throughout the Pacific Southwest and Pacific Southeast Districts. Their affiliation with the Junior Blind Olympics has been a strong force for over 35 years, and they continue to strive to make the games a more challenging and enjoyable event for all those that participate and attend.

Lauri Gavel

Phone: 323.295.4555, ext. 225

Email: lgavel@juniorblind.org

Kirsten Clausen

Phone: 213.623.4200

Email: kclausen@golinharris.com

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