Let’s Get Active in York
Saturday 20 August 10:00am - 4:00pm
Energise Leisure Centre, Cornlands Road, Acomb, York, Y024 3DX
Blind and partially sighted residents from Yorkshire & the Humber are invited to a free multi-sport taster event on 20 August 2022 (10am – 4pm) at Energise Leisure Centre, Acomb, York. Attendees will also learn from qualified sports coaches, leaders and a supporter coach who has played for England.
Our Let’s Get Active event is led by York Sight Loss Council, working in partnership with My Sight York and Wilberforce Trust.
Sight Loss Councils, funded by Thomas Pocklington Trust, 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.
About the taster sessions
During the day, experienced and qualified sports coaches and leaders will deliver a range of activities.
Sports will include visually impaired (VI) football, tennis, cricket, swimming, tandem cycling, judo, tai chi, kick boxing, goalball, gym and chair aerobics. We are also exploring holding boccia sessions.
There will also be a selection of stalls promoting a range of activities, including VI sailing, rambling, sensory walks and an over 54 club.
Lydia Wrightson, Ladies B4 Singles Champion at the National VI Tennis Championships, is a supporting tennis coach on the day. She says:
“As supporting tennis coach for the day, the ‘Let’s Get Active’ event means a lot to me as it will be great to tell other people about my positive experiences of playing VI Tennis.
“It will be a wonderful opportunity for blind and partially sighted people to try the sport for themselves. After promoting VI Tennis, I hope enough people will be interested in the sport for a VI club to be set up in York.”
Lydia Wrightson, who will support tennis coaching at the event, with one of her awards.
Iain Mitchell, Yorkshire and Humberside Sight Loss Council Engagement Manager, said:
“This is an excellent opportunity for blind and partially sighted people to come together and try out a range of activities.
“There are many sports available to blind and partially sighted people, but people do not often know about them.
“We also recognise that taking part in sport has such an impact on people’s physical health and wellbeing. We would like to thank our partners for working with us to make this event happen.”
Questions and Answers
How much will it cost?
All the activities are free of charge. The only expense you may have is to use the lockers.
How do we get to Energise Leisure Centre?
The number 4 bus goes from the opposite side of the station every 15 minutes. It takes approximately 15 minutes to get to the Energise bus stop on Cornlands Road. A sighted volunteer will meet you and guide you to the main entrance at Energise.
If you have difficulty getting to the station, please let us know in advance.
Will there be guides at the leisure centre?
Yes, there will be volunteers who will assist people to get to their chosen activity. However, we cannot guarantee it will be on a one-to-one basis, as we do not know how many people will register to attend.
We would ask that you are patient with our volunteers who will be working hard to help you get to where you want to go.
Will there be a maximum number of people able participate in a sport at any one time?
Yes. Once you arrive you will be able to register the sports you wish to try. Please note that the sports will have maximum numbers of people that can participate per hour. This number will differ, depending on the nature of the sport.
Can I be guaranteed a place doing my preferred or favourite sport?
We cannot guarantee you will be able to do your first choice because places for each sport are limited, dependent on the activity. They will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis on the day.
Are there changing facilities?
Yes, there are two different changing areas. One is for those using the sports hall and has a separate female and male changing room. Then there is a village style changing area with individual cubicles for the swimming area. Directions will be given on the day about where you need to go.
Is there somewhere to eat?
Yes. Inside there is a café in the reception area that will do light snacks and hot and cold drinks.
Outside, by the tennis courts, there are a couple of picnic tables if you would like to eat there instead
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, all can join in and participate in the activities.
We do ask that children are always accompanied by an adult though. We don’t want anyone to get lost or hurt.
Will there be swimming lessons?
Sadly not. You have to be a competent swimmer to book a slot in the pool. There is one lane that will be designated a swimming lane only.
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.
There will be several stalls introducing you to different activities that are available, such as sailing and walking groups.
Do I have to attend for the full day?
Not at all. You can dip in and out from 10am – 4pm. There will be lots of opportunities to try different things and we hope you will spend some time having a good look at what is available.
Can I bring my guide dog with me?
Absolutely, yes. There are some areas where you can take you dog outside to a spend area.
If you have a portable dog bowl for drinking, please feel free to bring it. We understand that some people do not like their dogs sharing bowls with others.
Who can attend?
Anyone from Yorkshire and Humberside who is blind or partially sighted is welcome to attend. Please note, children must be accompanied by parents or guardians at all times. As stated above, you can bring your family. As long as someone in your family group is blind or partially sighted, all can join in and participate in the activities.
| Time | Sports Hall | Studio | Outside | Pool |
| 10am – 11am | Goalball/Boccia | Judo | VI Tennis | |
| 11am – 12pm | Goalball/Boccia | Judo | VI Tennis | |
| 12pm – 1pm | VI Cricket | Kick Boxing | VI Tennis | Lane Swimming |
| 1pm – 2pm | VI Cricket | Kick Boxing | Tandem Riding | Lane Swimming |
| 2pm – 3pm | VI Football | Chair Exercise | Tandem Riding | Lane Swimming |
| 3pm – 4pm | VI Football | Tai Chi | Tandem Riding | Lane Swimming |
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