Keybank’s Angel Reyes joins Northwest Association for Blind Athletes’ Board of Directors

The mission of Northwest Association for Blind Athletes (NWABA) is to provide life-changing opportunities through sports and physical activity to individuals who are blind and visually impaired.

“A group of students who were visually impaired formed the association in 2007 to ensure that people who are blind were participating in sports and physical activity,” said the press release. “Today, NWABA is a rapidly expanding 501c3 charitable organization that provides more than 3,000 program and service interactions to children, youth, adults, and military veterans with visual impairments tailored programming which improves self-confidence and self-esteem, promotes independence, creates an inclusive community of supporters.”

Reyes’ interest in NWABA came about after he heard an inspirational story from one of NWABA’s youth athletes, Eric G., about his struggles and subsequent success in joining his high school swim team after participating in sports with NWABA through their programs and services.

By joining NWABA’s board, Reyes hopes to provide representation for the Hispanic/Latinx community, as well as increased access to the visually impaired community. Reyes is looking forward to participating in future NWABA program events such as kayaking and weightlifting, he said.

“I couldn’t be more excited to join the board of directors with NWABA,” Reyes said. “The work this organization is doing to help the blind and visually impaired is making real change. The gift of movement, confidence, skills and community will last a lifetime for these athletes. I am thrilled to be part of this journey and to help make meaningful impact.”

Through his employment and his personal endeavors, Reyes is committed to service in his community. He previously held a pivotal role as national chair for KeyBank’s Hispanic-Latinx Key Business Impact and Networking Group (HLKBING), which helps create an inclusive and stronger workplace for all. He currently is a committee member for Columbia Gorge Community College and the Cinema Unbound Awards, a project of the Portland Art Museum, in addition to serving as a board member for the Latino Network. He has also been affiliated with and supported United Way, Columbia Center for The Arts, The Next Door Inc., Hispanic Metropolitan Chamber, Familias en Accion and LatinoBuilt.

Angel will join other community leaders throughout the region in helping Northwest Association for Blind Athletes achieving its mission of providing life-changing opportunities through sports and physical activity to individuals who are blind and visually impaired.