Entries open for British Blind Sport National Youth Swimming Gala 2019
British Blind Sport is pleased to confirm the date for the charity’s National Youth Swimming Gala 2019 as Saturday 30 March. The prestigious event will take place in the West Midlands at the University of Birmingham’s Sport & Fitness Centre, Edgbaston from 12:30pm to 5:00pm and is free to enter for all blind and partially sighted children aged between 8 to 17 years old.
Hosted by the national charity for visually impaired (VI) people in sport for over 20 years, this event is the only VI specific youth swimming competition in the UK and attracts participants from across the country. It is the perfect event for any child with a visual impairment to take part in swimming or compete against children their own age.
Free one to one and small group lessons will also be on offer for those children aged 5-17 years old, who may not feel confident enough to take part in the swimming gala but would like to learn the basic principles and swimming technique. These lessons we be delivered by qualified coaches with experience of working with people with visual impairments.
Alaina MacGregor, British Blind Sport Chief Executive said:
"Every year we see how the gala makes a real difference to young people living with sight loss, many of whom have never had the opportunity to participate in a sporting event that is adapted to suit their needs or been able to compete alongside their peers. The event also helps young people, families and volunteers to learn more about British Blind Sport and the many projects that we deliver to support young VI people in sport.
"It also provides a unique experience for our See My Voice Young Leaders who volunteer to help run the event. Year on year, we receive really positive feedback from the participants and young volunteers at the event and I am pleased that it remains a mainstay within the BBS calendar."
British Blind Sport Participation Delivery Officer, Alex Pitts said:
"Sport is a tool that can be used to inspire people of all backgrounds. The BBS National Youth Swimming Gala holds extreme significance, as it provides the opportunity to integrate and socialise with others who have had similar life experiences, as well as developing swimming proficiency. The event also offers signposting to local clubs so that participants can train and compete year round. We love to see the difference just one event can make to young people’s lives."
Event details
Date: Saturday 30 March 2019
Time: 12:30pm – 5pm
Venue: Sport and Fitness Centre, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT
