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British Blind Sport's Festival of VI Sport a fantastic success

British Blind Sport's annual Festival of VI (visually impaired) Sport was a fantastic success, with over 100 blind and partially sighted people taking part in lots of sporting activities.

Visually impaired boy playing cricket. photo credit: British Blind Sport

On Saturday 22 October, British Blind Sport held it's annual Festival of VI Sport at Bablake School in Warwickshire.

At what has been described by one participant as a "magnificent, uplifting and brilliant day", over 100 blind and partially sighted people aged from three to 83 took part in a range of sporting activities - including horse riding, swimming, golf, cricket, football, tennis, rock climbing, judo and goalball.

British Blind Sport guests of honour at the event included six time Paralympic medallist and swimming World Record holder Hannah Russell, Olympic para-triathlete Alison Patrick, England blind footballer Roy Turnham and the Lord Mayor of Coventry Lyndsley Harvard. Picture below shows (left to right): Alison Patrick, Lord Mayor of Coventry, Alaina MacGregor and Hannah Russell.

Image shows Lord Mayor of Coventry, Alaina MacGregor and Parlympians Alison Patrick and Hannah Russell. Photo credit: British Blind Sport. Talking about the day, Hannah Russell said:

"Events like this are essential to the continued growth of VI and disability sport in general. I home mine and Alison's appearance here today and the people that have felt and seen our medals from Rio has perhaps inspired someone to take up sport more regularly."

Chief Executive of British Blind Sport, Alaina MacGregor said:

"Last year at the inaugural Festival we had about 60 participants, so to see the number of people attending over 100 is incredible and really shows that VI people want to take part in more physical activity and sport.
Whilst it's important that we encourage an active and healthy lifestyle, the event also enabled so many people to try out new sports, meet other people and realise that they are not on their own. I am very proud of what we acheived as an organisation at this event and the feedback so far has been nothing bit positive."

Young visually impaired girl, Ellie taking part in rock climbing. Photo credit: British Blind SportA parent speaking on behalf of participant Ellie Clark (pictured above), said:

"Thank you so much for the opportunities and patient, friendly staff. It's not unusual for the more severely sight impaired children to be less well catered for at some VI events, but today was amaing and inclusive. Ellie loves every second and was so sad to come home.
Having not been interested in even trying judo or climbing beforehand, with patient and understanding staff and gentle encouragement, she took part, enjoyed herself, and now want to join a judo club, go climbing again, reconfirmed her love for tennis and wants to play football!"

British Blind Sport provides blind and partially sighted people with opportunities to participate in sport and physical activity. 


Visit British Blind Sport website or contact them for more information. Email info@britishblindsport.org.uk or call 01926 424247.


Photo credit: British Blind Sport.