British Blind Sport launches national target sports project
British Blind Sport, the national charity that provides opportunities for visually impaired people in sport, has today (12 January) launched a new national project to increase the number of visually impaired people participating in target sports - specifically archery and shooting.
Funded by Agincourt 600, this new project will see British Blind Sport work in partnership with Archery GB and British Shooting to deliver a series of target sport taster events for visually impaired people around the country. Hosted by local clubs the events will provide an opportunity for blind and partially sighted people to try both archery and shooting for free. The events are open to anyone with a visual impairment, all ages and abilities welcome and no previous experience is required.
Agincourt 600 is the national charity dedicated to commemorating the fascinating Battle of Agincourt, which took place 600 years ago. The charity supports international friendship and understanding, commemoration, knowledge, and shared heritage. This new project is a unique way of increasing participation in target sports whilst embracing and upholding these values.
The taster events will be followed by a series of free club sessions to provide further opportunities for anyone interested in participating in the sport more regularly. These sessions will enable participants to develop their skills and technique, as well as become fully involved in local club environment and activities.
In addition to the planned activities programme, BBS will work with Archery GB and British Shooting to create an educational resource for both disciplines. The resource will provide information for clubs, coaches and volunteers about the adaptions required for a VI person to take part in archery and shooting. As well as provide useful hints, tips and guidance to ensure coaching and club environments are accessible and inclusive. The resource will also include an historical piece on the Battle of Agincourt.
Alaina MacGregor, British Blind Sport Chief Executive said:
“We are delighted to be working with Agincourt 600 on this joint sport and cultural project. To be able to commemorate the Battle of Agincourt in such a unique way will be so rewarding for our members, the wider visually impaired community and for clubs and coaches of target sports across the UK.
"We are looking forward to working with Archery GB and British Shooting, as well as local clubs to host a series of fantastic events for people living with sight loss to be inspired to take up archery and/or shooting.”
British Blind Sport provides competition pathways in both archery and shooting. It is hoped that the new Agincourt 600 VI archery and shooting project will not only educate participants about the fascinating battle that took place 600 years ago, but also provide opportunities for VI people to try something new, take part in sport regularly and potentially take part competitively.
