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Date for National VI Youth Swimming Gala announced

British Blind Sport is delighted to announce that the charity's National Visually Impaired (VI) Swimming Gala will take place on Saturday 16 April 2016, from 2.00pm-6.00pm for children aged eight to 17 years old. 

The prestigious event will take place at Tudor Grange Leisure Centre in Solihull, West Midlands. It is a free event and is open to all blind and partially sighted children aged eight to 17 years old.     

Hosted by British Blind Sport (BBS), the National Disability Sports Organisation for children and adults with a visual impairment - event has been held successfully for over 20 years. It is the only specific VI youth swimming competition in the UK,  and so year on year attracts visually impaired young people from across the country.

Alaina MacGregor, CEO of British Blind Sport said:

“This wonderful swimming event for young people living with sight loss is a mainstay within the BBS calendar. Year on year we see how the Gala makes a real difference to young people’s lives, many of whom have never had the opportunity to participate in an 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 they have had a great day.”


Individual participants and school groups will arrive at Tudor Grange Leisure Centre ready to have fun and compete. A team of 'tappers' will be ready to support the swimmers if required. They will stand at the end of the pool on each lane and use a pole to tap swimmers when they approach the wall. This indicates to the swimmer when they need to turn or that it is the end of the race. 

British Blind Sport’s Participation Delivery Officer, Lauren Impey, said: 

“Sport is a tool that can be used to inspire people of all backgrounds. The British Blind Sport Swimming Gala holds extreme significance, as it, provides individuals with a visual impairment the opportunity to integrate and socialise with others who have similar life experiences and who have benefited from this event in the past."

Impey continues:

"Participants of various abilities have the opportunity to be competitive in a warm and welcoming environment. The event also offers local exit routes to local clubs so that participants can train and compete year round. As well as providing young people with the opportunity to be talent spotted by the Amateur Swimming Association for future competitions. We love to see what a difference just one event can make to young people’s lives."


Founded in 1975, British Blind Sport prides itself on 'making a visible difference through sport' and breaking down barriers to participation and encouraging more visually impaired children and adults to take part in sport and physical activity.

For more information about the National VI Youth Swimming Gala download the event pack.

Alternatively you can contact British Blind Sport Participation Delivery Officer, Lauren Impey for more information, please email participation@britishblindsport.org.uk or call 07929 356428.