Let’s Get Active in Greater Manchester
Saturday 19 August 10:30am - 4:30pm
The Great Academy, Broadoak Road, Ashton-under-Lynne, OL6 8RF
Please note this event is now fully booked.
Greater Manchester Sight Loss Council invites blind and partially sighted people across the north west to their ‘Lets Get Active in Greater Manchester’ event.
This free, multi-sport event is being held on Saturday 19 August 2023, from 10.30am – 4.30pm, at The Great Academy, Ashton-under-Lynne.
It is not essential to have experience in any sports or activities to attend.
There will be something for everyone, including curling, cricket, and cycling. If you fancy something a little gentler, why not come along and try yoga or Pilates? It will be a great opportunity to try out a range of sports and activities which have been adapted for people with sight loss.
About the sessions
We will have experienced and qualified sports coaches and leaders with us on the day who will deliver a wide range of activities.
Sports will include visually impaired (VI) goalball, cricket, tennis, baseball, running, cycling (indoor and outdoor), curling, golf, football, yoga, Pilates – and there is even a chance to book in for a massage too.
There will be information stalls and guest speakers sharing more about their activities. After the event, if there is an activity you would like to continue with, we will signpost you to the relevant people in your local area.
Danny Clark, Greater Manchester SLC member, said:
“Our Let’s Get Active Day is a great opportunity for blind and partially sighted people to try out new sports. It really doesn’t matter whether you’re a novice, or someone who takes part in sport and physical exercise regularly. The day will be really good fun and it will be a great chance to meet new people.”
Kelly Barton, Engagement Manager for the North West, added:
“Greater Manchester Sight Loss Council is really excited to be holding a ‘Let’s Get Active’ day for blind and partially sighted people this August. Our event will be a fantastic opportunity for both children and adults to try out a new sport or just to come along and learn more about the VI sports on offer in the area.
“We have a variety of sports taking place on the day for you to try, or simply join us to socialise and meet new people.
“Getting active can seem really daunting for some people. We want to show you that, actually, it can also be a lot of fun.”
Kelly Barton, Engagement Manager for the North West, during a VI Baseball session
Questions and Answers
How do I get to The Great Academy?
Travelling by car? The Great Academy has car park facilities on-site. Alternatively, if you are travelling by public transport, please click here for more information on public transport links.
If you think you may have difficulty getting to the venue, please email Kelly.Barton@pocklington-trust.org.uk who can help look at alternative solutions .
Will there be guides at the leisure centre?
Yes, there will be volunteers who will assist people to get to their chosen activity. We cannot guarantee this will be on a one-to-one basis due to the number of bookings.
Can I bring my guide dog?
Yes, guide dogs are welcome.
What should I wear?
Something comfortable and not restrictive, and trainers if you have them. You do not need expensive sportswear.
Are there changing facilities?
Yes, there is an area you can get changed in, but we would encourage you to arrive, ready to go.
Is there somewhere to eat?
We are asking people to bring a packed lunch with them. There are plenty of areas at the venue to sit down and eat. Please note that this is a nut free event.
Can I be guaranteed a place doing my preferred or favourite sport?
Once you arrive you will be able to register for the sports you would like to try. We cannot guarantee you will be able to do your first choice because places for each sport are limited. However, we will do our very best to ensure you have the opportunity to try your preferred activities of choice on the day.
Will there be a maximum number of people able participate in a sport at any one time?
Yes, we will ensure that group sizes are not too large for each activity.
Do I need to have experience in any of the sports and activities?
No, this is a taster day. We hope you will find something you really enjoy and want to continue with it after the event.
How do I book a massage?
We have a limited number of massages available on the day. These will be offered on a first come, first served basis at the time of booking. If there is no availability, your name will be added to a waitlist which will be managed on the day.
Will there be swimming lessons?
There is no swimming at this event.
Can I bring my family with me?
Yes, we want this to be a fun day for everyone. As long as someone in your family group is blind or partially sighted, everyone can participate in the activities.
We ask that children are always accompanied by an adult. We don’t want anyone to get lost or hurt.
Who can attend?
Anyone from the north west who is blind or partially sighted is welcome to attend. Please note children must be accompanied by parents or guardians at all times.
Do I have to attend for the full day?
No, you are welcome to attend for part of the day if this is better for you. However there will be a wide range of activities to try, and we’d love you to have a good look at what is available.
Can I come along but not join in?
Yes. If you’re not sure about trying a sport but want to come along to find out more, you are very welcome.
Programme of events for the day
| 10.30am | Welcome |
| 11am – 1pm | Session 1 (variety of sports on offer) |
| 1 – 2pm | Lunch Break |
| 2 – 4pm | Session 2 (variety of sports on offer) |
| 4 – 4:30pm | Close |
Event details
- Date and time: Saturday 19 August 2023 10:30am – 4:30pm
- Venue: The Great Academy, Broadoak Road, Ashton-under-Lynne, OL6 8RF
- This event is free to attend, and some light refreshments will be provided. Please bring a packed lunch with you.
- This is a nut free event
- If you are bringing a guide or companion with you, they will need to book a separate place, under their name, to attend. This is to enable us to manage numbers for the size of the venue.
- Car parking facilities available
- Booking is required
- Closing date Friday 11 August 2023.
This free event is for blind and partially sighted people living in the north west. Attending the event is a great way to find out more about the work of Sight Loss Councils and the ways in which people can get involved.
Book your place
About Sight Loss Councils
Sight Loss Councils are led by blind and partially sighted members. Together, they tackle local issues and work with businesses and service providers to improve the accessibility of their services.
Photography and video
During registration, you will be asked to confirm you are happy to be included in any photographs, videos or images from the event. These will be used promotional purposes, raising the profile of our work and for sharing information and good practice. Please note, if you do not wish to be included, you may still feature in the background.
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