Sports give children an opportunity to participate in a group, experiencing physical and mental challenges in a safe environment. Athletic achievements in school can set patterns of behavior for a lifetime of healthy activity. Most of all, joining a team helps children feel like they belong, building self-esteem and confidence at a critical stage. At Alabama School for the Blind, most of our students wouldn't make it onto an athletic team at their local public school. Here at ASB, they are able not only to make the team, but to excel.
ASB has a long history of championship wrestling, with our teams competing against sighted students and other students with vision loss. Our track and field team for girls and boys competes against local schools and in our conference and the South Central Association of Schools for the Blind (SCASB). Our cheerleading team attends sporting events and also competes against other schools for children with vision loss at the annual SCASB conference.
To try out for the cheerleading team or the wrestling team, a student must be in the 7th grade or age thirteen. Track team members must be in the 7th grade or age 12. All student athletes must maintain a "C" average or better in their academic work.