Blind and partially sighted people are less likely to participate in sport or physical activity compared to people without sight loss, with RNIB research showing they are twice as likely to be inactive, compared to their peers. To help change this, London Youth Games is launching its first-ever event specifically for young people with a vision impairment on 18 March 2025 at Redbridge Sports Centre.

According to RNIB, half of blind and partially sighted people feel that having sight loss stops them from exercising as much as they want to. As a result, this festival will provide an inclusive space for participants to try seven adapted sports, helping them break down barriers to physical activity.

The seven adapted sports: Athletics, Blind Football, Tennis, Blind Baseball, Goalball, Triathlon, and Boccia. Each sport has a clear pathway beyond the festival, with participants signposted to clubs and training sessions run by the specific activity providers, ensuring they can continue playing and developing their skills.

The festival features 30-minute taster sessions across multiple sports, each adapted to the needs of vision-impaired participants. A highlight of the day will be a Q&A with GB blind footballer Azeem Amir, who discovered blind football in his teens and now represents England. He will share his journey and inspire young participants to build confidence to enjoy sport at any level.

Andy Dalby-Welsh, CEO, said: “As someone who competed in blind cricket when I was younger, I know firsthand how sport can change lives. Sport can build confidence, independence, and friendships – things every young person deserves. This festival will open doors for vision-impaired young people to discover new sports, and more importantly, find a place where they belong. I’m proud that London Youth Games is breaking down barriers and creating real opportunities for these young people to stay active and involved long after the event.”

The festival, which runs as part of the LYG School Games Spring Finals, is made possible through the support of key partners, including Peter Harrison Foundation, Greater London Authority and LYG delivery partners including: Victa, Metro Blind Sport, Bloomsbury Football Club, LTA, GB Blind Baseball, Goalball UK, British Triathlon and GB Boccia Paralympian, Dan Bentley.

By championing accessible sport, London Youth Games is ensuring that young people with a vision impairment have the opportunity to take part, have fun and develop a lifelong love for physical activity.