Sport for blind and visually impaired people
Information
Vision Sports Ireland
Vision Sports Ireland (formerly Irish Blind Sports) is the national governing body in Ireland for sporting activities for blind and visually impaired people. The organisation was founded in 1989 to encourage the participation in sport by blind and visually impaired people at all levels. The organisation has an executive committee and a constitution that outlines the rules and guidelines under which the activities are undertaken. Funding for Vision Sports Ireland comes from the Sport Ireland.
Sports are conducted at all levels (including elite). Each sport undertaken by the organisation has its own principal co-ordinator who is responsible for promoting and organising activities within that sport. In recent years, the organisation has significantly expanded the range of sports it has become involved in.
Membership consists of people of all ages, backgrounds and sporting ability (including elite athletes). Sighted people can also become members of the organisation.
Volunteers, coaches and guides
In addition to being participants in sport, sighted members frequently act as guides and volunteers. Volunteers, coaches and guides form an integral part of Vision Sports Ireland.
Rules
While anyone can become a member of Vision Sports Ireland, the majority of participants range in age from teenagers upwards.
Rates
Membership of Vision Sports Ireland for 1 year costs €10 for adults and €5 for children (payable on 1st January each year). Membership is considered on an individual basis and fees may be waived in certain cases.
How to apply
If you would like to become involved (as a participant, volunteer, coach, guide, etc.), contact the organisation at the address below. Further information about the sports involved and contact information for the co-ordinator of each sport is available on the Vision Sports Ireland website and from the address below.
Where to apply