British Blind Sport launch Visually Impaired athletics resources

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10 February 2015

As part of their 40th anniversary celebrations, British Blind Sport have released advice on improving road-running, track and field athletics for visually-impaired athletes.

Alaina MacGregor, CEO of British Blind Sport, announced the release of the resources this week. “The positive effects of participation in sport for a visually impaired person cannot be underestimated and we are aware that skilled coaches and teachers make all the difference in helping others achieve their goals,” she said.

Funded by Sport England, the Visually Impaired Friendly Athletics information enables parents and coaches to:

  • Understand the needs of people with a visual impairment.
  • Expand their sporting knowledge to meet the needs of blind and partially-sighted people.
  • Improve their communication skills, to support visually impaired athletes’ needs.

We support British Blind Sport in the belief that everyone has the right to participate in a sport of their choice. Understanding the barriers that must be overcome is the important first step in allowing those with a visual impairment to have the same sporting chances as sighted people, so it’s crucial that coaches have the knowledge the create accessible, inclusive environments.

Developed in partnership with England Athletics and British Athletics, this extensive athletics resource includes information about:

  • The fundamentals of sight loss.
  • Advertising athletics events to blind and partially sighted people.
  • How to guide visually impaired people in track, field and off-track situations.
  • Health and safety considerations such as obstacles and traffic.
  • Competitive athletics for people with sight loss.

For their other resources, check out their advice on Overcoming Barriers to Athletic Participation study.