THE opportunity to try new sports attracted blind and vision-impaired athletes from across the state to Tamworth during the weekend.
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Throughout the two days, players from all backgrounds were able to try their hand at sports like goalball, blind golf, blind tennis and cricket.
The multi-sport event was the first of its kind for the region and was aimed at boosting participation numbers across the codes.
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Blind Sport NSW program manager Sonja Balic said the top-notch facilities at the Tamworth Sports Dome, West Tamworth Tennis Club, Belmore Park and Tamworth Golf Club made the city an ideal location for the event.
"We had over 25 register for the weekend and everyone had a great time giving all the different sports a try," Ms Balic told the Leader.
"There was some state and national-level athletes there as well giving it a go, while Tamworth's Bradley Carriage offered up some coaching.
"It was really pleasing to see people from all different walks of life and different backgrounds come together and have some fun.
"That is what sport is really all about."
Despite Tamworth having flourishing goalball and blind cricket competitions, the weekend's event marked the first time the city had hosted blind golf.
"I think it was very interesting to see people give these sports a go and adapt the skills they needed to," Ms Balic said.
"Things like teamwork, communication and patience really come to the fore in these types of sports.
"So they aren't just valuable for sport, but for life in general."
Ms Balic said the success of the weekend-long event had inspired confidence for similar events in the future.
"I think there is certainly scope to come back to Tamworth again," she said.
"Expansion is something I know Blind Sport NSW is looking to do next year and we will aim to bring sporting organisations, regional development officers and community organisations to these types of multi-sport events.
"If we can do that, it will go a long way for the sustainability of these programs in regional areas like Tamworth and it will help ensure these types of sports are accessible for all members of the community."
Billy Jupp
Billy is a Senior Livestock Journalist for the Queensland Country Life based in Toowoomba. He has worked for a variety of different ACM mastheads during the past five years including the Namoi Valley Independent, Northern Daily Leader and The Land.
Billy is a Senior Livestock Journalist for the Queensland Country Life based in Toowoomba. He has worked for a variety of different ACM mastheads during the past five years including the Namoi Valley Independent, Northern Daily Leader and The Land.
