Frequently Asked Questions
What is GUMBO?
GUMBO (Games Uniting Mind and Body) is an interscholastic track and field competition designed for children ages 5 to 18 years of age and adults who have physical, visual, hearing, or intellectual impairments. The events are not unlike those at any other track and field event: races, shot put, discus, etc. What makes GUMBO different is the fact that all of the athletes have a mobility, visual, hearing, or intellectual impairment and many compete with leg braces, wheelchairs, prosthetics, or with assistance from a sighted guide for those with visual impairments. The athletes competing in GUMBO must be able to compete independently, with the exception of blind athletes who use a guide. Eligibility for competition comes from having proof of a permanent physical, visual, hearing or intellectual impairment, and they will compete with athletes who have similar or like impairments.
GUMBO strives to support students with disabilities in developing active minds, self-confidence, dignity, discipline, competitive spirit and comradeship. Like other competitive sporting events, GUMBO competitions offer athletes a contest with self, challenging each person to improve performance, strength, speed, endurance and coordination.
What is the Purpose of GUMBO?
The primary purpose of the GUMBO program is to provide athletic/recreation opportunities and promote a healthy lifestyle for children and adults who have physical, visual, heating or intellectual impairments. GUMBO competition is based on a philosophy that endorses participation in sports as having strong therapeutic and social value. Typically these students have limited opportunities to participate in or be exposed to high school interscholastic or extracurricular sports. The secondary purpose of GUMBO is to train professionals and parents to coach and prepare the athletes properly.
All youngsters should experience the lessons learned from winning and losing. The entire competitive experience should come as an extension of learning the correct way of performing a skill, knowing the equipment, conditioning the body, and, finally, of competing. Children and adults with disabilities can successfully integrate into community road races and other athletic events (wheelchair basketball, archery, swimming, etc.) with a little training and practical experience. In this way, GUMBO fills a very special need!
GOALS:
1. To support youth and adults with disabilities in developing active minds, self confidence, dignity, discipline and independence.
2. Promote health and fitness in youth and adults with physical disabilities.
3. Give individuals, along with their families, the opportunity to interact with others of similar disabilities and interests while developing new friendships.
4. Boost personal aspirations by increasing self-worth, motivation and confidence.
5. Teach life-long skills such as team effort, sportsmanship, goal setting, commitment, and responsibility to oneself and to a team.
6. Reach potential for a lifetime of recreation and/or sports.
7. Educate the community, parents and professionals on the capabilities of those with physical disabilities.
Who May Participate?
Any person, age 5 and up, who has a physical, visual, hearing or intellectual impairment is eligible for competition. Examples of disability are spinal cord injuries, cerebral palsy, amputations, muscular dystrophy, spina bifida, other orthopedic disabilities, and most visual impairments. GUMBO is for ALL persons with physical, visual, hearing, or intellectual impairments, not just for those receiving special educational services.
Where and When are the Competitions?
The regional competitions are held each spring in several regions of the state (northeast, northwest, southeast, and southwest). The GUMBO State Invitational competition is held in the fall in a central area of the state. A Boccia State Tournament is also held each year. Additional competitions or sport clinics are scheduled in other areas of the state when a significant number of participants are interested. For more details visit our page on What's Cooking?
What Does it Cost to Participate?
There are no entry fees for GUMBO events. Regional and state competitions are scheduled on Friday or Saturday, and most participating school systems can provide or assist with transportation for the athletes.
Who Coaches the GUMBO Athlete?
Most of the athletes at the elementary school level are coached by a physical education teacher, classroom teacher, or a parent. Athletes at the secondary level are usually coached by a physical education teacher or the high school track coach. Anyone can volunteer to coach an athlete with a disability. Coaching methods are not unlike those used with able-bodied athletes. With a little bit of technical assistance and training, anyone can become a GUMBO coach!
Who Sponsors GUMBO Competitions?
All GUMBO activities are sponsored by Louisiana GUMBO Inc. and Families Helping Families at the Crossroads. All aspects of GUMBO events are organized and initiated by volunteers. Each agency/organization provides both monetary contributions and unlimited hours of in-kind services.
GUMBO does not have a paid staff. The members of the Board of Directors for Louisiana GUMBO Inc. are volunteers representing parents, coaches, officials, business and industry, and education agencies.
How Can I Get My Student/Child Involved in GUMBO?
For more information, an entry form for competition, or the GUMBO rules, contact Pam Carey, Program Coordinator, (Families Helping Families at the Crossroads), phone 1-800-259-7200, 318- 452-7771, or email Carey33452@aol.com. Workshops, clinics, and seminars can be scheduled throughout the year in various locations for parents, teacher, athletes, and volunteers. Registration and participation are always free of charge.
How Can I Help GUMBO?
GUMBO currently serves fewer than 1/3 of the students in our state who have physical or visual disabilities. In order to expand into additional areas of the state and improve opportunities for students, GUMBO needs financial support. Louisiana GUMBO, Inc. is recognized as nonprofit and is exempt from federal income tax under Section 501(a) of the Internal Revenue Code as an organization described in Section 501(c)(3). Monies or services donated to Louisiana GUMBO, Inc. are used directly for the program and the children and adults it serves; donations are tax deductible. To make a donation please make your checks payable to La. GUMBO, Inc. and mail to La. GUMBO, Inc, 2840 A Military Hwy, Pineville, LA 71360
Additionally, volunteers are always needed to work the competitions as assistant officials, student aides, food service, etc.; or to help in the office with mailings, copying, and computer work. Whether you prefer indoors or outdoor activities or desk work, GUMBO has a place for you.
For more information please contact Pam Carey, Program Coordinator, (Families Helping Families at the Crossroads), phone 1-800-259-7200, 318-452-7771, or email carey33452@aol.com.