RNIB - See Sport Differently

The 2018 World Blind Match Racing Championships will be held on Scotland's west coast, hosted by the Royal Northern and Clyde Yacht Club, at Helensburgh.

Teams of visually impaired sailors from around the globe will battle it out on the water, going for Gold!

RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to the organisers, the hosts and some of the sailors, aiming for glory…

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The Visually Impaired Sailing Association GB (VISA GB) is dedicated to helping more blind and partially sighted people enjoy sailing, for fun and for competition.

They run taster days and longer voyages, even linking up with other established sailing regattas, to help people get a taste for the popular pastime.

RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Colin Fowler, to learn more about the association and to let people know about a forthcoming event this summer…

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Robert Stuzer never thought he would get to meet his birth family.

In fact, having been raised by his adopted family, the man didn’t even entertain the idea of meeting his birth parents. At least not until a few years ago, that is…

After being diagnosed with Retinitis Pigmentosa, a rare genetic disorder that involves permanent changes to vision, Robert set out on a search for long lost family in hopes that his children wouldn’t inherit the illness.

This unexpected journey lead him all the way to Ireland, were Robert created some surprising bonds, one of which had Rob and his new-found cousin, Emer McCormack, running together in the 2018 London Marathon to raise funds for the RNIB charity.

Speaking to RNIB Connect Radio’s Simon Pauley, Robert tells us more about this moving family reunion, life after sight loss, and how much he wants to give back to the community that helped him.

If like Robert, you would like to support people with sight loss and run in London Marathon 2019, you can register for a place with Team RNIB by visiting: http://www.rnib.org.uk/donations-and-fundraising

You might like sport, or may never tried it because you didn't think you would like it?

 Well, the English Institute for Sport has launched it's Discover Your Gold programme, to find Paralympians of the future.

 There's a whole host of help, training and developmental support on offer and it starts with a click on a website.

 RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Henry Shiplee, from EIS, to learn more about discovering talent.

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Find out how blind and visually impaired people can take part in a special cricket event on Tuesday May 1st.

Alan North has been visually impaired since childhood, but that didn’t stop him in excelling where others told him he would fail.

A swimming coach for almost 30 years now, Alan manages his own swim school as well as provides training in First Aid and Lifesaving.

Chatting to RNIB Connect Radio’s Simon Pauley, Alan tells us exactly why it’s important not to give up when you lose your sight and how his blindness has helped him provide classes for other visually impaired people.

If you would like to get in touch with Alan, you can do so by calling him on: 07970 298 019 or by emailing to: [email protected]

Scottish Disability Golf and Curling encourages and supports people with a range of disabilities to take part in the sports.

 They provide grants for professional tuition, club competitions and the chance to compete on the international stage, if you wish to grow your competitive side.

 RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Jim Gales, from SDGC, to learn more about the accessible sports and some of the recent tournaments.

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British Blind Sport promotes and encourages participation in a variety of sports to visually impaired people, of all ages and abilities.

 They run different sports clubs and work with, both private and public, organisations to make their services and facilities inclusive and accessible.

On April 29th, they will be holding a taster day, featuring a variety of sports, in Cambridge and everyone is invited to come along.

 RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Alex Pits, from BBS, to find out what's in store for visitors to try out...

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