|
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 2009 event was so much more. For the first time in Mexican history, a youth activities camp focused on children with autism. Fifty (50) 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 as well as volunteers and athletes alike.
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.
On July 9th, Tra Battle, Lonny Mitchell, Leon White, Karl Wilson, and Mindinho traveled to Mexico to “break bread” with Governor because he shared the same vision as AFE. They all believed that through exercise and organized activity, autistic children - just like most youth – could be excited about life again. The athletes spent the day at the 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.
Camp morning, the main group of attendees was divided into smaller groups, allowing for more personalized attention to the students. The children rotated around five different stations, each run by a different athlete, each concentrating on developing a different skill. 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 students where putting into their exercises, many showed improved coordination and balance, just by the end of their rotations!
This camp was run a little differently than others to provide the opportunity to as many youth as possible, so the afternoon session of Camp Battle 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.
After breaking for lunch, the afternoon continued with another series of exercises and games designed to teach the benefits of cooperation and teamwork. Games included relay races, tug-of-war, and of course, football. Camp on both days concluded with gifts from the Chargers' team for all the attendees as well as autographs by all the special guests on everyone's shirts.
More significant, however, was that in two short days stereotypes about autism were dispelled. True believers – AFE athletes and the Tijuana Governor – 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!
Camp Battle was held in Tijuana, Mexico, July 11, 2009. Read more about the event from the Tijuana Newspaper: El Mexicano - Read the entire article here.
Click on a photo below to open a larger version
| Camp Battle 2009: Photos with Baja California Governor Jaime Osuna Millan |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
| Camp Battle 2009: Visit to Alumbra Autistic Center |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
| Camp Battle 2009: Photos with Baja California Governor Jaime Osuna Millan |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
| Camp Battle 2009: Young Kids at the Camp (Including Autistic Center Children) |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
| Camp Battle 2009: High School Students at the Camp |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| Camp Battle 2009: Group Dinner - Friday Night |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
| Camp Battle 2009: Photos of Camp Sponsors |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
|
