Double World Judo Champion backs British Blind Sport festive campaign

Two-time World Judo Champion and British Blind Sport’s youth patron, Ben Quilter gives his backing to the charity’s Christmas campaign – Jingle Balls 2015. The national charity which exists to make a visible difference through sport, aims to raise funds to help children with visual impairments be more active.

Announced as British Blind Sport’s new youth patron in February this year, Ben Quilter is thrilled to give his support to the charity’s new Jingle Balls campaign.

A successful Paralympic judoka, Ben won eight world and European medals throughout his sporting career, including two world championship titles, one European championship title and a bronze medal at London 2012 Paralympic Games.

Since his retirement from judo in 2013, Ben has continued to be actively involved with sport for disabled people, through his work as a motivational speaker and his ambassador role at British Blind Sport.   

British Blind Sport’s new Jingle Balls campaign aims to increase the number of children with visual impairments taking part in regular physical activity.

Many children with visual impairments face barriers in physical activity. The reasons for this can include poor inclusive PE teaching and limited access to adapted sports equipment. Research shows that the benefits of being active for these children extend beyond physical health to increased self-esteem and confidence, greater independence and improved social skills. Therefore it is vital that British Blind Sport provides these children with more opportunities to be active.

Talking about the campaign, Ben Quilter said:

“As a proud Patron of British Blind Sport I fully support the Jingle Ball campaign. Having acquired my sight loss in my early teens the one thing that gave me so much confidence and formed my resilient attitude to life was my sport.

“To have had the opportunity to compete at a home Paralympic Games was incredible and something I will never forget. I have enjoyed a number of life changing experiences as a Paralympian and I think this opportunity along with the numerous benefits of participation in sport at all levels is something every visually impaired person should have the opportunity to experience.”

This festive season for every £10 donated, the charity will give a new jingle ball to a blind or partially sighted child.

A jingle ball is an audible soft play ball with ball-bearings inside that makes a noise when kicked, thrown or rolled. They’re a great way for children to get active, improve motor skills and have fun with friends and family at the same time. Jingle balls can be used in a wide range of sport and recreational activities.

Children who have already benefited from receiving a jingle ball from British Blind Sport, said the following about their experience:

“It’s my best ball! I hear it and it is soft and sticks to my hands.”

“It’s great! Because I can hear it, I can play catch and bounce with my sister.”

Buy a jingle ball today and give the gift of sport to a blind and partially sighted child this Christmas.

Donations can be made online at British Blind Sport's JustGiving page or by texting JING45 £10 to 70070. 

Photo credit: British Blind Sport

For more information about British Blind Sport and the Jingle Balls campaign visit the British Blind Sport website.