Get moving with Lancashire Sight Loss Council’s Let’s Get Active day

Saturday 18 October 10:00am - 4:00pm
Blackburn Central High School, Haslingden Road, Blackburn, BB2 3HJ

Reserve your place

Are you blind or partially sighted? Have you ever wanted to try a new sport or just fancy a fun, active day out? Come and join Lancashire Sight Loss Council on Saturday 18 October, 10am to 4pm, for our Let’s Get Active day at Blackburn Central High School, Blackburn. 

This free multi-sport taster event is your chance to try out a range of adapted sports in a welcoming and supportive environment. From goalball to judo, showdown to tennis, and even tai chi, football, baseball and more, there’s something for everyone — no matter your age, ability, or experience level. The event runs from 10am to 4pm and you are welcome to attend all or part of the day. 

Refreshments will be available, but we ask that you bring a packed lunch. Friends and family are welcome too — just make sure everyone registers in advance. 

Please note: this is a nut-free event. We ask that no nuts are brought into the building.

A day to discover what’s possible 

Kelly Barton, Engagement Manager for the North West, knows first-hand how hard it can be to get into sport when you’re blind, but also how rewarding it is when you do: 

“We are absolutely delighted to be holding this event and are very grateful to all the organisations delivering activities on the day.

“As someone who is blind and only got into running in my 40s, I know the challenges people face in accessing sport — but I also know how much it can change your life for the better when you give it a go. We can’t wait to see you there.”

More than just sport 

Mohammed Salim Patel, Chair of Blackburn Blind Sports Club, added: 

“Let’s Get Active days are a superb opportunity to learn about the many sports and activities that blind people can partake in. Not only can you have a go at them, you can meet so many other visually impaired people and share advice with each other.  It’s a one stop shop to find out about all the activities that are available in your area.” 

Michael Parkinson, Lancashire Sight Loss Council member agrees: 

“This event is all about raising awareness of how sport and leisure activities can be made accessible for blind and partially sighted people. 

“You might find yourself doing something you never thought possible. These kinds of events boost your physical and mental wellbeing — and they’re great fun too.” 

 Try it, love it, keep going 

Local charity Galloways will be leading boccia and showdown sessions. Andrew Coleman, Learning Skills and Lifestyles Manager, said: 

“We’re proud to be part of this day alongside TPT. By working together, we’re opening more doors for blind and partially sighted people to get into sport. 

“We’ll be delivering boccia and showdown sessions – two inclusive sports that open up pathways to participation. This partnership highlights the power of collaboration and we hope it encourages more people to join our health and well being activities at Galloway’s and to explore what’s possible through sport.” 

 Book your place

• Date and time: Saturday 18 October, 10am–4pm. Book your place by 5pm on Thursday 16 October.
• Address: Blackburn Central High School, Haslingden Road, Blackburn, BB2 3HJ.
• Our Let’s Get Active day is completely free, but registration is essential for everyone attending.
• Sighted guides will be available on the day.
• This is a nut free event.

Book your place for Let’s Get Active in Blackburn

If you have any questions or require any further information, please contact Kelly Barton at Kelly.barton@pocklington.org.uk or call 07508 958 938. 

BBC video from a previous Let’s Get Active event

This BBC video from a previous event held in Manchester shows BPS participants trying blind netball, golf, baseball and tennis. It also shows interviews with SLC Engagement Manager, Kelly Barton, who is playing baseball, and SLC member and tennis player Gill.

Reserve your place