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Registration for the 2019 BELL Academy is now available.
National Fitness Challenge
The NFB of Missouri was excited to have participated in the Sixth Iteration of the National Fitness Challenge sponsored by the United States Association of Blind Athletes (USABA) and the Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield Foundation from October 1, 2018 through May 31, 2019.
Research has consistently shown that individuals who participate in regular physical activity to improve their health have higher energy levels, a lower risk of health-related diseases, improved psychological health, and lower rates of depression and anxiety. Unfortunately, because of the many barriers and misconceptions about their abilities, approximately 70 percent of the nearly 56,000 children and youth who are blind and visually impaired in the United States do not participate in even a limited physical education curriculum. The National Fitness Challenge thus serves to encourage more active healthy lifestyles among the blind. In agreeing to participate in the challenge, NFB members pledged to walk at least 10,000 steps a day and were engaged in at least 30 minutes of physical activity every day. The NFB of Missouri also committed itself to achieving various goals and events including member participation in 5K or 10K community events, hosted a Blind Sports Day, conducted a Try-it Event, and more. Our NFB of Missouri – St. Louis Team had over 40 members and were spread out across Missouri.
The National Federation of the Blind knows that blindness is not the characteristic that defines you or your future. Every day we raise the expectations of blind people, because low expectations create obstacles between blind people and our dreams. You can live the life you want; blindness is not what holds you back.
Our Pledge
I pledge to participate actively in the effort of the National Federation of the Blind to achieve equality, opportunity, and security for the blind; to support the policies and programs of the Federation; and to abide by its constitution.