The Blind Sports Network NI was established in 2012 and includes key representatives from sports clubs and organisations for people with sight loss from across Northern Ireland.
The aim of the group is to:
a) Research: To undertake research into the levels of physical activity of people with sight loss and identify suitable and popular activities for increased participation.
b) Co-ordination: To encourage all relevant statutory and voluntary organisations to meet their responsibilities in delivering sports and physical activity for people with sight loss.
c) Sports Opportunities: To work in partnership with governing bodies, sports clubs and other organisations to provide more structured participation opportunities across Northern Ireland, including taster sessions in a range of sports and activities in rural areas.
d) Volunteers & Guides: To support and promote initiatives concerned with the recruitment and training of volunteers and guides who can assist sports clubs for people with sight loss.
e) Training & Support: To provide specialist support, training and advice services to sports clubs for people with sight loss.
f) Coach Education: To work in partnership with Disability Sport NI, supporting the delivery and implementation of disability training for key governing bodies of sport with specific focus on the inclusion of athletes with sight loss.
g) Information & Communication: To improve the availability of information on sports opportunities and to communicate this information to people with sight loss throughout Northern Ireland.
If you would like to find out more about the work of the Blind Sports Network please contact:
Jan Dinsdale, Chairperson at: nibga@hotmail.com or follow us on Twitter and Facebook
Blind Sports Directory
Royal National Institute of Blind People NI (RNIB NI)
RNIB NI is committed to working with a variety of external partners to support the inclusion of people with sight loss in sport and leisure activities. They offer Visual Awareness training to any club or group that wants to develop their skills in working with people with sight loss. For further information on Sports and fitness on the RNIB website please CLICK HERE.
Angel Eyes NI
Angel Eyes NI is run by a Committee of passionate and dedicated parents who want to support others and ensure that all parents receive the information they need from diagnosis of their child with sight loss. Angel Eyes NI combine a range of services from providing emotional support, timely information, practical help, advocacy and lobbying to ensure that parents are supported through every step of their child’s life. For futher information about Angel Eyes NI please visit their website by CLICKING HERE.
CEO, Sara McCracken – 07775 873072
Administrator, Frances Floyd – 029 90453297
Belfast Lough Sailability
Belfast Lough Sailability provides safe and enjoyable sailing and water based activities to people with a disability, including people with sightloss. The club caters for all levels of ability and sailing experience. For further information about Belfast Lough Sailablility please visit their website by CLICKING HERE.
Hon. Secretary email: belfastloughsailabilityni@gmail.com
Guide Dogs Northern Ireland
Guide Dogs Northern Ireland provide a range of mobility services to enable poeple with sight loss to be more active in their communities and campaign for their right to have the same the same freedom of movement as everyone else. Their ‘My Guide’ service provides trained volunteers to act as ‘sighted guides’ to support engagement in a chosen activity. If you would like to find out more about the ‘My Guide’ service please visit their website by CLICKING HERE.
My Guide contact, Arlene Verner – 003538 4537 27402
Email: Arlene.verner@guidedogs.org.uk
Meteor Water Ski Club
Meteor Water Ski Club is based at Lough Heaney near Boardmills in North Down and is home of World Disabled Water Ski Champion Dr Janet Gray MBE. As a private lake Meteor is ideal for beginners offering a safe and controlled environment. The club is open from the start of May through to mid September and runs courses and session for people with both sensory and physical disabilities.
Meteor Water Ski Club contact, Dr Janet Gray MBE – 07818 817085
Email: drjanski@btinternet.com
Newry and Mourne WATCH Club
The Newry & Mourne WATCH club provides tandem cycling for people with sight loss and can provide training for sighted pilots and for stokers who wish to be involved in cycling from leisure to competition.
Newry and Mourne WATCH Club contact, Danny McSherry – 077 2083 8681
Email: danny.mcsherry@hotmail.co.uk
Northern Ireland Blind Golf (NIBG)
NIBG hosts regular competitions including the World Open Championships and has regular winners at all levels of competition. The organisation aims to help golfers with sight loss and provide local competitions through the NIBG Order of Merit League.
Jan Dinsdale email: nibga@hotmail.com
NIBG Facebook Page: CLICK HERE
NIVIB (Northern Ireland Visually Impaired Bowls)
Membership of NIVIB is open to anyone who is registered with sight loss and is interested in getting involved in bowls at a recreational or competitive level. NIVIB are associate members of the Irish Bowling Association (IBA) and there are currently two active Visually Impaired Bowls clubs in Northern Ireland based in Bangor & North Belfast, both of which play short mat bowls. Coaching can also be made available by prior arrangement.
NIVIB contact, Pat Hayes email: pathayes18@hotmail.com
Visual Impairment (VI) Football
Sporting Lisburn Visual Impairment Football Club is based in the indoor hall at Lisburn LeisurePlex on Saturday mornings The club is open to anyone over the age of 7 who has a visual impairment.
VI Football contact Mal Donaghy (IFA) – 078 9461 4325,
Email: mdonaghy@irishfa.com
