On the surface, Camp Battle probably looked like the other camps that Athletes for Education (AFE) is so well known for…famous athletes from the past and present mentoring children through physical activity. However, the 2010 event was so much more. This was the 2nd year our youth activities camp focused on children with autism. Thirty (30) children ranging in age from four to sixteen all with mild to severe autism participated in all the activities along with another 25 fully-abled local elementary school-aged children on the morning of July 10th hosted by AFE’s core volunteers and athletes.
Anyone familiar with those afflicted with autism has been told that they “don’t do well in uncontrolled environments” and/or that they “won’t respond well to exercise and will be prone to tantrums, violence and outbursts.” Instead of listening to the naysayers, the athletes from AFE choose to believe otherwise. AFE shares the same w/ Foundation Alumbra’s President Gaby Vidal that “through exercise and organized activity, autistic children - just like most youth – could be excited about life again”.
In the morning of July 9th, Tra Battle, Steven Gregory (San Diego Chargers), Walter Curry (Jacksonville Jaguars) former NFL stars Leon White, Karl Wilson & Lonny Mitchell, along with Capoeira superstar Mindinho traveled to Mexico for a “meet & Greet” event that was Hosted by VW for people that purchased VW vehicles during an event that took place in May called “Sign & Drive”…
The athletes spent the afternoon w. parents & children from the Foundation Alumbra organization’s Autism Institute playing with, drawing and interacting with the children. It was an amazing day that taught everyone involved how profoundly visits like this could positively affect autistic children.
Tra Battle believes that “sometimes it just takes someone to call attention to a cause. It was such a blessing for the athletes to interact with the kids. We all benefitted more than I could have imagined – it’s been a truly amazing experience for everyone!” Their positive influence was readily apparent after AFE’s visit to their school. Even kids restricted to wheelchairs wanted to participant in Camp Battle - the enthusiasm was contagious.
July 10th was Camp Day… The morning camp had the main group of attendees divided into smaller groups, allowing for more personalized attention to the students from Foundation Alumbra.
The afternoon’s camp focused on student-athletes from local high school football teams where they were afforded the unique opportunity to learn life skills and football lessons from professional athletes. Judging by the level of enthusiasm and smiles on the field that afternoon, one would say both sessions were incredibly rewarding for all parties involved.
The student-athletes were separated into groups w/ student-athletes from other schools that played the same football position. They rotated around five different stations, each run by a different AFE athlete, each concentrating on developing a different skill sets. From catching balls and running drills, to blocking practice and headstands, all activities were designed to improve overall physical conditioning, as well as teach proper techniques for running, throwing, and catching. With the effort that student-athletes where putting into their exercises, many showed improved coordination and balance, just by the end of their rotations!
After breaking for lunch, the day continued with another series of exercises and life skills games designed to teach the benefits of cooperation and teamwork. Games included relay races & of course our famous obstacle course.
More significant, however, was that in this year’s camp we again proved that stereotypes about autism were dispelled. True believers – AFE athletes, core volunteers, parents & sponsors – watched their dreams become a reality. And Camp Battle showed the world the truth in one universal tenant – kids respond positively to organized physical activity and exercise regardless of their home country, disability or socioeconomic status. Knowing that this is just the beginning, Tra and AFE cannot wait to spread the word!
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Photos at the TV Azteca Sponsored Dinner
Camp Battle 2010: Volkswagon Dealership Sponsors Meet and Greet
Camp Battle 2010: Visit to Alumbra Autistic Center
Camp Battle 2010: Camp for Autistic Center Children
Camp Battle 2010: High School Students at the Camp
