Sports and fitness opportunities for blind and partially sighted people
With a few adjustments, you can still take up new sports or continue with your favourite sports if you are blind or partially sighted.
Blind and partially sighted people can gain the same enjoyment and benefits as anyone else.
Our factsheet provides more information on how to get involved in a number of sports, and what adaptations usually need to be made.
We know the positive impact sport can have on people’s lives and that people with sight loss participate and excel in sport and physical activity at all levels. But we also know there’s work to do, as many people with sight loss are unable to access and therefore enjoy sport.
We're working with British Blind Sport (BBS) to raise awareness among the two million people with sight loss in the UK, and across the sports sector, about how more blind and partially sighted people can get involved with sport and feel the benefits.
Find out more through our See Sport Differently campaign
Playing sport
Blind and partially sighted people can participate in a wide variety of sports, from bowls to cricket, and from water-skiing to tandem riding.
Most activities may require modest adaptations of rules and equipment to make them accessible – for example playing cricket with a size 4 audible ball, or using a sighted or audio guide to help guide you to the tee in golf.
Get Involved
- Sports such as Goalball, are played by blind and partially sighted people only.
- British Blind Sport governs most blind sport competition from local to international level and there is a sporting structure for competition in most sports.
- If you enjoy rambling, the Ramblers Association will be happy to put you in touch with a rambling group in your area which can accommodate blind and partially sighted ramblers. You can go on pre-arranged walks in the countryside, or, in towns and cities.
Check out a full list of sports that blind and partially sighted people can get involved in.
Watching sport
Many sporting venues are improving their access for disabled people. You can visit the Level Playing Field website for information on the different facilities available at football, rugby and cricket venues. You can also contact the venue directly before visiting to check their facilities and let them know your access needs.
A number of venues offer audio description during matches, some specifically for blind and partially sighted people (for example those using the Access Audio Aural Aide system). Many professional league and non-league football clubs, some rugby clubs, and Lords Cricket Ground provide commentary.
You can also watch sport using audio description on your television.
Watch our film
Be inspired by blind and partially sighted athletes who push their limits to realise their dreams.