Sports & recreation

We help veterans take part in sports that they may not even have thought possible, from running, swimming and cycling to rock climbing and surfing.
The swimming pool at our Brighton centre

Sight loss doesn't have to mean giving up sport. At our centres we help veterans take part in sports that they may not even have thought possible, from running and cycling to rock climbing and surfing. For many of our members, being active and enjoying sports helps them build confidence and self-esteem.

We organise activities and events for:                                 

  • Running
  • Swimming
  • Cycling
  • Walking
  • Rock climbing
  • Surfing
  • Gym training
  • Acoustic rifle shooting
  • Tandem bike ride …and anything else our members want to try


We also help find local gyms and sports clubs to join and put together individual exercise programmes for our members. We also have a selection of Blind Veterans UK clubs.


And we help veterans take part in special events, including Sports Activity Week, the London Marathon, the London Triathlon, the Marine Commando Challenge and many more sporting events.

Sporting successes

 

Iain's story

"I'd always dreamed of running the London Marathon but I never thought it was something I would be able to do, especially after losing my sight. Thanks to the sports team, I've now completed the London Marathon with Blind Veterans UK 11 times and I'm looking forward to number 12!"

 

Paul's story

Paul has been a member of Blind Veterans UK since he was blinded in Afghanistan in 2009. During his training visits, our instructors work out a training timetable with him and support him during sessions in the gym, swimming lessons, tandem bike rides and outdoor exercise classes.
"I really enjoy going to the centre in Brighton for sports training, because the activities I take part in are fun, varied and really help my fitness."

 

Steve's story

"Finishing the 60-mile bike ride gave me an enormous amount of satisfaction and pride. I didn't think I would ever be able to achieve this and I couldn't have done it without Blind Veterans UK. The effort and determination I had to put into training for this event reminded me of all the hard work I had to do for my green beret. It's given me the enthusiasm to continue trying new things."

How to apply to Blind Veterans UK

For someone to join Blind Veterans UK they need to have done National Service or served in the Armed Forces, and have significant sight loss. It doesn't matter to us why someone's vision is impaired or when they lost their sight. Many of our members have lost their sight years after their service, due to age or illness.

We believe that no one who has served their country should have to battle blindness alone.

 

 

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