Your opportunity to become involved in the Championship Blind 2011

Next summer, The FA are hosting the 2010 IBSA Blind Football Championship here in the UK for the first time in the competition's history. This will be the biggest disability football event ever to have been held in this country and will showcase the very best blind footballers from across the globe as they compete for the most prestigious prize in the sport. The event will also act as a direct qualifier for the Paralympics in London 2012.

The FA has chosen thePoint4 at The Royal National College for the Blind as the venue for the competition because of the world-class facilities it offers, which means that in the summer of 2010, the eyes of the world will be on Herefordshire.

The sporting event, and the cultural festivals that accompany it, will be an unforgettable experience - for participants, spectators and young people. The legacy it leaves - the difference it could make to the lives of people across the county - will last long after the sound of cheers has faded.

The legacy programme covers the following areas:

• Education
• Tourism and culture (including an opening ceremony)
• Sport and health
• Business and the community

Education

Schools, children's community groups and charities are proving they are ready to seize this opportunity to open children's eyes to a new world of sport. They will be invited to get involved with the Championships in a number of ways:

• By adopting a nation (one of 10 competing countries) and exploring its history and culture. They'll also have a chance to support their 'team' at the Championships through song, art, and creative writing.
• At special events children will be invited to meet the England Blind Squad, and to take part in blind football workshops and enjoy Futsal training on the international standard pitches at thePoint4.
• A special children's pack will provide a health and education tool, promoting the benefits of sport for all sectors of the community, and explaining the specific benefits of disability sports like blind football.
• As supporters and team mascots, through song and dance, children from across the county, and from charities supporting children with sight loss across the UK, will be invited to be involved with the event next August.
• Other opportunities for specific project work around the Championships (media, sport, volunteering etc) are available.

You can download a PDF of our Legacy Programme education pack with information about the growth, development and basics of blind football, the event fixture list and official anthem and much more, or for more information about how you or your school, charity or community group could get involved, contact the Legacy Team on 07872 840698.

Sport & Health

A programme of events over the coming months will promote the benefits of sport for all sectors of the community:

• The Blind Football Academy - the first of its kind in the world - is based at thePoint4 at The Royal National College for the Blind and offers sports men and women who are blind or partially sighted the chance to build football training into their curriculum while studying at the College. As well as providing first class training, it aims to create pathways into national and international competitions for future players. As part of the legacy campaign and the College's commitment to promoting sport and health to all, a road show will be running across the UK offering sports and community groups the chance to access blind football coaching and/or workshops in their area.
• The Legacy Team are also working with Hereford United and Herefordshire FA on a three year project running with the Blind Football Academy which aims to promote disability football across the county and to help establish thePoint4 as a centre of excellence for the sport.
• In conjunction with academic organisations in the region, a special 2010 symposium will look at access to sport for those with a disability, and initiatives for improved provision in advance of 2012.

For more information about workshops and coaching courses, contact the Legacy Team on 07872 840698.

Business & Community

Herefordshire is a county committed to equality and diversity. In partnership with the city council, county council and retail traders around the county, we want the legacy of the Championships to be a greater awareness the impact of a disability, specifically sight loss, in the community and throughout the city. We aim to do this with a whole batch of exciting initiatives for, and involving, businesses and community groups, starting with a series of training days.

On specialist training sessions (available now) businesses and other local organisations can learn about and experience the impact of common eye conditions, and receive sighted guide training. They’ll discover the equipment those with VI can use on a daily basis (to read labels, identify colours, work on computers, liaise with staff), and adjustments they can make to their business (and it can be something as basic as lighting) to support staff in the workplace, and clients and customers they meet each day.

We'll also be inviting businesses to get involved in the Championships via sponsorship, special 2010 initiatives, business expos, cultural events and celebrations.

For more information about the training days, or other initiatives being launched in coming months, contact the Legacy Team on 07872 840698.

Tourism & Culture

Herefordshire will be welcoming hundreds of guests from all over the country, and all over the world during the Championships. It is a county with a population wanting to embrace, welcome and work with different cultures and people whatever their ability or disability.

As we countdown to the big event, we'll be announcing a programme of arts events and community celebrations to mark the 2010 Championships and to help welcome national and international visitors.

The Legacy Team will also be working with the local tourist industry in their bid to embrace, welcome and work with different cultures and people whatever their ability or disability. We'll be bringing news, in future months, of a number of initiatives to improve access and promote equality, and to showcase all the county has to offer.

For more information about future events and initiatives, contact the Legacy Team on 07872 840698.

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