Blind and partially sighted youngsters get cricket lesson at Lord's (From Times Series)

Action for Blind youngsters get cricket lesson at Lord's

2:54pm Wednesday 15th February 2012 in Top Stories By Natalie O'Neill

Blind and partially sighted youngsters were given a cricket coaching session at Lord’s Cricket Ground yesterday.

Brother and sister, Viljo, 11, and Lila Wilding, eight, of Sturgess Avenue, Hendon, were part of the Action for Blind People’s Actionnaires group who met members of the England Blind Cricket team.

Team captain Matt Dean ran a coaching session organised by Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB), to introduce the visually impaired children to the tactics of the game.

Viljo, who attends St Mary’s and John’s CE Primary School with his sister, said: “It’s been a great day, visiting one of the top cricket grounds and meeting the players.

“I now want to get more involved in cricket and other sports. The blind cricket players have shown me that sight loss doesn’t prevent you being a success.”

Five-year-old Massih Quadare, of Burnt Oak, said: “It’s been a fun day and I liked the cricket.”

Steve Vaid, director of operations from Action for Blind People, said: “It is important for the children and their families to realise they are able to take part in a range of activities, no matter their level of sight.

“Actionnaires events provide opportunities for the young people to build their self confidence and improve their team work, as well as offering their families the chance to meet others in similar situations.”

For more information visit www.actionforblindpeople.org.uk/children or contact Samantha Hopkins on 07713 080453 or email: samantha.hopkins@actionforblindpeople.org.uk