Be inspired. Park runs and marathons as a blind runner
Running or jogging is considered one of the best cardio exercises out there. Just 5-10 minutes a day can help to build strong bones and muscles, while lifting your mood and energy levels. For many, outdoor running can also decrease feelings of loneliness, isolation and depression. However, when you have a vision impairment, it's not as simple as just popping out for a quick morning jog on your own. So how can we enjoy the benefits of outdoor running while keeping safe? One answer to that question is guide running. The activity, which uses a ramble tag, enables [...]
New opportunity – Discover your Paralympic potential
Do you have a vision impairment? Ever dreamt of competing in a Paralympic Sport? Let Paralympics GB help you discover your Paralympic Potential at a come and try day in Autumn 2023. The Paralympic Potential programme is the first step in finding what your future Paralympic sport could be. If you want to find a competitive pathway and unlock the opportunities that sport offers, then now is your time to discover your Paralympic Potential. They are hosting come and try days that will include Judo, Football, Goalball, Rowing, Swimming, Cycling, Alpine Skiing, Nordic Skiing, Athletics [...]
Be inspired. We chat with Cath Gilby – Head of Para-Performance at the FA
VICTA was privileged to attend the 10 year anniversary of St. George’s Park, celebrating 10 years of success in English football. We were excited to join the celebrations and find out more about the FA's involvement supporting players with vision impairments. The FA are championing disability sport and have high hopes for the blind and partially sighted teams. We were lucky enough to meet Cath Gilby, Head of Para-Performance, who chatted to the VICTA Student Portal about the teams, her role in disability sport and getting more people involved. Watch the interview below and have a think about [...]
Pushing through your limits – my return to goalball
By Jack Tomlin I recently joined Winchester Goalball team. I have loved goalball since I was 11 and was a passionate member of my school team, but when I left school, I also left goalball. I missed the sport and the friendships that came with it and this year, I knew I wanted to join a team. I got in touch with Winchester and decided to attend their next training session. My excitement soon turned to apprehension when I realised that I would have to get the train by myself, with a change at a busy station. Like [...]
No limits lifestyle – White water kayaking blind
By Sam Roberts Hi everyone, my name is Sam Roberts and I am a Young Ambassador for VICTA. I live what I call a 'no limits lifestyle' where I tell myself every day that there is nothing we can’t achieve, the only person that is stopping you from reaching your goals is yourself. Over the last six months I have been working hard on progressing my white water kayaking skills, with the ambition of taking on the white water of the River Dee. No limits means pushing your boundaries, reaching further than you’ve ever reached before and never [...]
Unstoppable – Clubs & activities for VI young people, By Erin Wynne
(Picture: Black and white action shot of Erin show jumping) By Erin Wynne, age 16 Do you believe that being visually impaired means a fabulous and fulfilling life is off the table? That visual impairment stops us from having fun and being active? Well, I can tell you for a fact it doesn’t. Here’s what I’ve learnt. Misconceptions So many parents believe/are told that their visually impaired (VI) and blind babies won’t have a good life; that they won’t be able to do a lot of activities or have independence. My parents were devastated when they [...]
Be inspired. Meet the England Men’s Partially Sighted Futsal Team
We were lucky enough to meet the England Men's Partially Sighted Futsal team at their training session and chat to them about the game, their experiences and ambitions! It was clear from seeing the team train that they're going from strength to strength and are on track for big things in the IBSA World Games in Birmingham in 2023. Talking to the players about their journeys into Futsal and how being part of the team has helped them to grow not only as players but also off the pitch, has been truly inspirational. In terms of having a [...]
Be inspired. Meet the England Women’s Blind Football Team
On Saturday 21 May, VICTA was privileged to attend the England Women’s Blind Team's first official training camp at the home of England football, St. George’s Park. VICTA's exclusive access granted us front row seats to witness this inspiring team of girls in action, showcasing their talent and teamwork. The team made great use of the Tony Larkin Pitch – a bespoke pitch for blind football and one of only two in existence in the UK. We not only got to see them show off their ability, but also interviewed some of the team and coaches, getting a [...]
Be inspired. Video chats with young VI sports stars
The Winter Paralympics are here and we're excited! If the buzz of the snow sport action over the next couple of weeks leaves you feeling inspired to give something new a try, then go for it! These young athletes we chatted to at our Sports Camp did just that... Meet Hester Poole, a Para-Alpine Ski Racer for GB! Hester chatted to the VICTA Student Portal to tell us all about how VI skiing works and how she fell in love with the sport. What started as a tobogganing experience on a dry slope let to [...]
Volunteering at Junior Parkrun – By Scarlett
For my Bronze Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, I volunteered at my local Junior Parkrun. The volunteering system was very structured, with a rotation system so people are allocated different roles each week, but also, for beginners like myself, a system that allowed me to experience each role from a marshalling point to run director. Initially, I started as a marshal, clapping and encouraging the runners around the course. I could hear the sound of the runners’ feet and heavy breathing approaching coming past my point, which allowed me to know when to start encouraging the runners when they were [...]
