Come and try athletics event- a success for visually impaired youngsters
On Saturday 21 September more than 150 visually impaired youngsters attended an Action for Blind People come and try athletics event. The event, sponsored by Boots Opticians, was a fantastic success.
British Blind Sport and British Athletics were in attendance to support the event and many of the local athletics coaches were on hand to take the young athletes through their paces. The high-profile event in Sheffield allowed the youngsters to experience a range of sports including sprint events, long jump and javelin.
Among the young, visually impaired athletes was a family from Sheffield; Coby (aged 7), Lucas (12) and Bailey Ashman (14). Bailey said:
"I had a great time. Last year’s Paralympic Games made me want to do even more sport. I’ve met lots of other children today. Making friends and doing new things is what I love about Actionnaires and this event is the highlight of the year."
Shelley Holroyd, Parallel Success Coordinator for British Athletics said:
"‘This event has been fantastic for the young athletes and their parents. It’s given the parents the opportunity to see what their children can do and also to speak with other parents about their children and find out what other support may be available. We have had a successful day too after spotting three talented young athletes so I’m now in the process of contacting them to link them up with a new coach and club so they can continue to train. Without the sponsorship from Boots Opticians, and the Boots volunteers, this day would have never taken place and we probably wouldn’t have had contact with these athletes so it’s fantastic that they have supported a cause like Action for Blind People and made this day happen."
Ben Wright (11), found the sprint events were his highlight. He said:
"I like running. I like the sport. I’m a lot better than before - I’ve learned to run on my toes; go even faster now!"
Lesley Inganni, Development Manager at Action for Blind People concluded:
"We’re extremely grateful to have had Boots Opticians and Topcon Ophthalmic Equipment as sponsors, and the support of British Blind Sport. Every year it gets bigger and better, and with scouts from British Athletics attending, some of these children could be our Paralympians of the future.
