Thomas A. Abraham Becomes Sport Ambassador for USA Blind Soccer

The U.S. Association of Blind Athletes, the National Governing Body for the Paralympic sport of blind soccer, and the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Foundation today announced Thomas Abraham as a historic first sport ambassador in the sport of blind soccer. Abraham, who earned the title through his philanthropic contribution to the sport, marks the first time the title has been given for a Paralympic sport in the United States. “We are extremely honored and proud to add Thomas Abraham to our ongoing efforts to spread awareness of blind soccer throughout the nation,” said USABA CEO Molly Quinn. “His dedication to…  Read More

U.S. Paralympian Joe Walsh Elected IBSA Vice President

Two-time Paralympian and 1992 bronze medalist Joe Walsh (Quincy, Mass.) was elected vice president of the International Blind Sports Federation (IBSA) on Friday during the IBSA Extraordinary General Assembly in Fatima, Portugal. Walsh was one of three candidates for the position of vice president, along with Egypt’s Ahmed Owen and Brazil’s Helder Araujo. “The USOPC is thrilled that Joe Walsh will serve as an integral leader of the International Blind Sports Federation,” said Julie Dussliere, chief of Paralympics for the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee. “His appointment highlights the importance of embracing diverse perspectives from nations across the globe while…  Read More

Sixteen Individuals Selected to be USABA Sport Ambassadors for 2023

The U.S. Association of Blind Athletes (USABA) is pleased to announce 16 individuals who will serve as the organization’s sport ambassadors for 2023. Now in its second year, the USABA Sport Ambassador Program utilizes key stakeholders within the blind and visually impaired community from across the country. The program’s goal is to spread awareness and visibility of sports for the blind and visually impaired community, assist in organization representation via outreach and partnership opportunities, and support fundraising efforts to continue and expand programming. The 16 sport ambassadors were selected following an application and review process and the group consists of…  Read More

Amanda Duke Boulet Named Director of Sport Performance

USABA is pleased to announce the hiring of Amanda Duke Boulet to a new and integral position within the organization...director of sport performance.Duke Boulet has been a leader in the U.S. Paralympic movement for 15 years, having previously served as USA Triathlon's Paralympic program director. In that role, she directed, led and grew the Paralympic program from its inception to back-to-back first-place finishes in the medal count at the first two Paralympic Games for the sport in Rio (2016) and Tokyo (2020). “It feels great to continue to be in the U.S. Paralympic movement building toward the next two Paralympic Games in…  Read More

Paralympic Medalists Huking and Armbruster Join USABA Staff

Two-time Paralympic medalist Marybai Huking and four-time Paralympic medalist Jennifer Armbruster have both joined the USABA staff. Huking was named USABA's sport program coordinator in May and Armbruster was recently appointed as blind soccer coordinator. Huking and Armbruster were Paralympic goalball teammates at the Rio 2016 Games when they teamed up to win the bronze medal...the first of two Paralympic medals for Huking and the last of four medals for Armbruster. Huking will be responsible for planning, implementing and evaluating USABA sports programming and events, with a particular focus on advancing and developing sport opportunities in the two Paralympic sports governed by USABA...goalball and…  Read More