British Blind Sport announce national swimming gala

Tudor Grange date for visually impaired swimmers.

British Blind Sport have confirmed the 2018 date for the charity’s annual National Visually Impaired Youth Swimming Gala as Saturday 5th May. The prestigious event will take place in the West Midlands at Tudor Grange Leisure Centre, Solihull from 2:00pm to 6:00pm and is free to enter for all blind and partially sighted children aged between 8 to 17 years old.

Hosted by British Blind Sport, this event has been held successfully for over twenty years and is the only VI specific youth swimming competition in the UK, always attracting participants from across the country. It is the perfect event for any child with a visual impairment to take part in swimming or compete against children their own age. One to one and small group lessons will also be available for 5 to 7 years olds delivered by qualified coaches with experience of working with people with visual impairments.

Alaina MacGregor, CEO of British Blind Sport said: “I am so pleased that this wonderful swimming event is returning to the Midlands, it is a mainstay within the BBS calendar. Every year we see how the Gala makes a real difference to young people living with sight loss, many of whom have never had the opportunity to participate in a sporting event that is adapted to suit their needs or been able to compete alongside their peers. Every year the feedback from the young people is that it’s a really positive experience.”

British Blind Sport Participation Delivery Officer, Alex Pitts said: “Sport is a tool that can be used to inspire people of all backgrounds. The BBS National VI Youth Swimming Gala holds extreme significance, as it provides the opportunity to integrate and socialise with others who have had similar life experiences. The event also offers signposting to local clubs so that participants can train and compete year round. We love to see the difference just one event can make to young people’s lives.”

For further details visit www.britishblindsport.org.uk/events. If you wish to sign up a group of swimmers, please contact Alex Pitts on 07929 356428 or email Alex@britishblindsport.org.uk.

British Blind Sport need volunteers to help at upcoming events. If you can spare some time to help the visually impaired and blind attendees enjoy the day fully, get in touch.