British Blind Sport aims to get children active this Christmas
This Christmas, British Blind Sport (BBS) is running a new fundraising campaign: Jingle Balls 2015 aims to raise funds to help children with visual impairments be more active. This festive season for every £10 donated, the national charity will give a new jingle ball (audible soft play ball) to a blind or partially sighted child.
As part of the campaign British Blind Sport will be sharing stories from children and their parents, who have already benefited from receiving a new jingle ball. Today, 10 year old Anya (pictured above) tells us about beating her dad at football and why she loves her new jingle ball.
Anya's story:
"I'm glad I've got the ball as it helps me beat my Dad at football!
10 year old Anya, who has a genetic eye condition, received a jingle ball in April, and it’s enabled her to be active at home. She plays the games BBS provide in their activity booklet inside or outside the house, either on her own or with friends and family which adds a bonding element to the fun. Along with Dad George, himself visually impaired, they play football together and their frequent kick arounds are bringing Anya’s penalty taking technique along nicely – watch out Rooney!
Enthusiastic, fun loving, and willing to give anything a go, Anya has not let her visual impairment prevent her joining in with sport. She “couldn’t wait to join” British Blind Sport after participating in one of our football tournaments. BBS has helped Anya participate in many sports, with swimming and football being two of her favourites, and discover new ones.
She now plays football for her local team in Birmingham, where she is coached by Paul Devlin, a retired professional player. As well as learning to swim at her local pool. In the next few weeks she is also going to give tandem biking and rock climbing a go, and is keen to start a martial art class.
Sport is a hugely beneficial addition to Anya’s life. It enables her to make friends, stay healthy, join in and have fun with other children, plus bond with her family. Providing this opportunity, and creating positive experiences, at an early age will hopefully mean that Anya enjoys the long term benefits that physical activity brings to visually impaired people.
Jingle Balls 2015
This Christmas, British Blind Sport is hoping to give over 100 jingle balls to children with visual impairments and encourage them to get active and have fun with friends and family.
Buy a jingle ball today and give the gift of sport to a blind and partially sighted child!
Donations can be made online here or by texting JING45 £10 to 70070.
British Blind Sport provides visually impaired children and adults with opportunities to participate in sport and physical activity.
