METRO
Opening doors to sport
Metro Newsletter Issue 51 January 2016
Website: http://www.metroblindsport.org
Twitter: http://twitter.com/MetroVISports
Dear Readers, Welcome to Issue 51
Metro has some great events rapidly approaching in 2016! The
Metro Members Only Tennis Tournament is nearly upon us,
make sure your Entry Form reaches us by the 6th February
2016. If you live near Richmond, why not try out some sport
and healthy exercise at Roy's Multi Sport Event Day on
the 20th February.
Metro never one to sit on our laurels are in the process of
exploring with Goalball UK and other partners, taster sessions
in the near future. Until then you could try Goalball in Croydon.
Let us not forget the new Swimming Sessions at Mile End
Leisure Centre the list goes on.
Until then you could try Goalball in Croydon. Let us not
forget the new Swimming Sessions at the Mile End Leisure
Centre the list goes on.
I hope you will enjoy this issue and as always do not forget to
check the upcoming Events list at the end of this newsletter for
any last minute event additions
1. Metro Tennis News and Events
Metro Tennis Club Tournament 2016
This is open to Metro members only, aged 16 and over. 20
Members have now entered, get your place soon!
Event Date: Sunday 21st February 2016 Time: 13:00-19:00
Venue: Islington Tennis Centre
Download: the ENTRY FORM http://bit.ly/1KChjwf
Entry forms to be returned to roy.smith@metroblindsport.org
Closing Date: for Entry - 6th February 2016
Blind and Vision Impaired Tennis Tournament Series
The first South East Regional Tennis Competition
Date: March 20th Venue: Sutton tennis Academy
This series consists of 5 regional tournaments in London,
Birmingham, Northumberland, York & Cambridge.There will
also be the National Blind and Vision Impaired Tennis
Championships at the end of the year which should be held
again at the NTC in Roehampton. (Date TBC 22 – 23 Oct
2016).
Wimbledon Touch Tour
All our members and hardworking tennis volunteers, who were
quick enough to get a place and attended the Wimbledon touch
tour by all accounts had a great time, so a big thank you to
Odette for organising this amazing Day trip.
2. Multi Sports Day – 20 Feb 2016 – Richmond!
When: Saturday 20th Feb 2016, 11:30 - 16:00
Where: Hampton Sports and Fitness Centre, Hampton
Academy, Hanworth Road, Hampton, TW12 3HB
Register: 11:30 Organisers: Metro Blind Sport.
Events: Athletics, Bouncy Castle, Dance/fitness, Gym, (mini
inductions), Spin Bike, Tennis, walking football. * please note
these activities may be subject to change on the day.
On arrival you will have the opportunity to try each activity
(subject to availability on the day) lasting approx. 40mins. You
can of course choose to sit out sessions depending on your
preference.
Please return your completed registration form by 5th Feb
ENTRY FORM DOWNLOAD http://bit.ly/20qJiYO
Ian Francis contact details are: Mobile: 07814 751643
Email: ian.francis@metroblindsport.org
Postal address: - 36 Copsleigh Avenue, Salfords, Redhill,
Surrey RH1 5BG
3. Athletics News and Events
The 40th Metro Anniversary Athletics Open 2016
Venue: Mile End Stadium, Rhodeswell Road, London E14
7TW, Tower Hamlets, East London.
Metro Blind Sport are excited to announce that their Annual
Athletics competition is celebrating its ‘40th’ birthday and will be
held on 25th June 2016, incorporating a Festival of Athletics
for vision impaired people, their families and friends.
Hosted by key partners, London Borough of Tower Hamlets
and GLL, generously supported by the Mazars Charitable
Trust, Motivate East and Olympus UK.
The Festival of Athletics (Endorsed by England Athletics) will
again offer those new to the sport a chance to try out running,
jumping and throwing in a fun and relaxed atmosphere.
Qualified England Athletics coaches will be on hand to advise
and guide you. All ages and abilities are very welcome so come
along and try!
This year coaching and advice will be available to adults and
young people, who are either interested in trying a new event or
improving their technique. If you haven’t tried an event before
and want to compete in the afternoon, or if you are looking to
improve your performance in an event, this is the place for you.
Competition will begin after the Festival and we will again be
joined by a UK Athletics talent spotter looking out for future
Athletics Stars! Events will be held for Under 18’s, Senior’s and
Veterans.
Entry to the Festival and Competition is Free and there will be
souvenir T-shirts and catering. Results will be ratified for Power
of 10 rankings for classified and non-classified athletes. For
further info on the classification process please contact British
Blind Sport via their website http://www.britishblindsport.org.uk/
or via the British Athletics (Parallel Success) Classification link:
http://bit.ly/1WMKvrn
A Full Event programme, separate Entry and Accommodation
Form’s will all be available soon at www.metroblindsport.org and
on request from Ian Francis.
With new features to look forward to including Audio
Commentary and a special guest presenting awards and
trophies we hope to see a record number of Athletes in our
Anniversary Year!! If you are a member of a local society or VI
group and want to join us, please let me know.
Ian Francis (Metro - Sports Development Officer) Tel. 07814
751643 Email: Ian Francis ian.francis@metroblindsport.org
Southwark Athletics session
FREE sessions for blind and visually impaired people (for 11
year olds and over). If you have never tried athletics before or
you would like to improve your skills, why not come along to
one of our sessions taking place in Southwark.
When: Weekly sessions (weekend & weekday evening) will
start from March 2016 times to be confirmed
Where:
1) The newly opened Castle Leisure Centre SE1 6SQ
2) Southwark Park Athletics Track, Gomm road SE16
Meet & greet available if required.
To register contact Amala Poulier 02075257304 or email
Amala.poulier@southwark.gov.uk
Free Gym and Swim at ‘The Castle’ leisure centre!
‘The Castle’ leisure centre in Elephant and Castle opens is
hoping to opening March 2016. Disabled people will have
access to free gym and swim at any time at this new centre.
4. Cricket News and Events!
Huge Congratulations from us all to the lads in
the England Blind Cricket squad for regaining the Ashes, you
can check out the latest Cricket Articles http://bit.ly/1IrJiNJ or
the individual Cricket news stories on our Cricket page.
http://bit.ly/1Vqro52 At the end of January there was a great
article in the Guardian on Metro member Hassan khan, just in
case you missed it, here is the Article Link.
http://bit.ly/1OYdzXE
First Match of the cricket season starts off with Metro v
Somerset, in the BCEW League at Highgate on the 23rd April
2016. If your around North London and want to check out the
team in action, I am sure the Metro cricket team would
appreciate the support.
For more Info, Contact: Email: rory.field74@gmail.com
Lords indoor cricket nets sessions
If you interested in trying out blind cricket, then the Lords
cricket nets is an ideal opportunity. Learn from some talented
cricketers! Male and female players, 8 years and above are
very welcome.
Lords indoor cricket nets have been booked for:
13th February - 17:00-19:00
26th March - 17:00-19:00
16th April - 17:00-19:00
Venue: Lords indoor cricket nets
Check our website Cricket events list for dates and times
http://bit.ly/1OSye2J and meet and greet at St Johns wood tube
station/Jubilee line.
For more information contact: Phone: 077 4232 3224 (Rory
Field)
Email: rory.field74@gmail.com
Check the Cricket Fixtures Page on our website
http://bit.ly/1N7oT1F to see the full cricket season.
5. Football news and Events
London Metro Futsal Club News
London Metro Futsal Club have been shortlisted for Canary
WHARF Sport Awards on the Feb 11th, Congratulations to all
the players, coaches and all involved!
Latest Metro Futsal Club Events
Have you always wanted to play Futsal, why not go along to a
training session?
Contact: Gareth Jones Email:
Gareth.jones@tottenhamhotspur.com
Next Football Training
Date: 13th Feb Jan 2016 Time: 10.00am - 13.00pm
Venue: The SCORE, Oliver Road, Leyton
PSFL Tournament 5
Date: 6th Feb 2016 Time: 12.00 - 17.00pm
Venue: Birmingham @Futsal
For more information and to find out how you can get
involved.
Contact: Gareth Jones Email:
Gareth.jones@tottenhamhotspur.com
BBS/PS Football League Tables
LEAGUE TABLE - Division 1
BIRMINGHAM W-12, D-0, L-0, PTS-36
LONDON MFC A W-6, D-1, L-5, PTS-19
NW SCORPIONS W-5, D-1, L-6, PTS-16
LOUGHBOROUGH W-3, D-1, L-8, PTS-10
LIBURN ROVERS W-2, D-1, L-9, PTS-7
LEAGUE TABLE - Division 2
SOUTH WEST W-5, D-2, L-2, PTS-17
WINSFORD
W-5, D-1, L-3, PTS-16
RNC
W-4, D-0, L-5, PTS-12
LONDON MFC B W-2, D-1, L-6, PTS-7
6. London FA England talent day
Looking for young people from a range of impairment
groups, from this talent taster day young people will be viewed
and potentially identified as having talent, they will then be able
to join a six-week talent identification programme (TIPS), where
the players can continue in their development and aim to move
towards playing within their impairment specific local regional
talent centre.
Come and try out to see if you have the “potential” to join the
FA Disability Football Talent Pathway. Tottenham Hotspur
Foundation is offering an exciting opportunity to players U10-16
with the following disabilities: Learning Disability, Cerebral
Palsy, Partially Sighted, Blind, Deaf, Amputee.
Age Range: between the ages of 11-16
Date: Sunday 14th February from 1pm to 3pm.
Venue: Peter May Leisure, Centre ,135 Wadham Rd,
Walthamstow, E174HR
Contact: To register your place, please email:
Frank.Kain@tottenhamhotspur.com
7. Next Archery Session - 14 Feb 2016!
Date: 14 Feb 2016 Time:12 noon - 2.00pm
Venue: South Fields College (Aspire Centre, Wandsworth)
Contact: Email: Fred or call 07743942062
Latest Archery News and Events
Congratulation once again go to Metro member Andrea
Thomas, who at the Spelthorne Open Indoor has won yet
another Silver Medal. Both Andrea and Harish are representing
Metro in the National Archery competitions in 16th
April at Lilleshall National Sports Centre.
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National Indoor Championships on 16th April 2016. Metro
members will be taking part!
National Outdoor Championships. Date TBC.
The European championships will take place from 3rd - 10th
April 2016.
8. Goalball sessions in Croydon!
The Croydon Warriors – and are looking for new players to
come and take part – visually impaired or sighted, young or old,
male or female, no experience necessary but if you are
experienced come and show us how!
Dates: Alternate Monday’s starting 2nd Nov Time: 5.30pm –
7.00pm
Venue: The Sir Philip Green Game Centre, 38 Moreland
Avenue, Croydon, CR0 6EA
For more information or to register your interest contact Robin
Faulkner:
Contact: Call 07889 648925 or Email: Robin
Website: http://www.goalballuk.com | Goalball
Video: http://bit.ly/1S1AyWe
9.Swimming News and Events
Have you got what it takes to be a Para-Swimmer?
Would you like to get involved in Para-Swimming?
Come along to our Free Para-Swimming Talent Identification
session. Have fun and learn new skills
Date: Sunday 21st February 2016
Time: 3:30pm — 5:30pm (Registration: 3:00 to 3.20pm)
Venue: Northolt Leisure Centre, Eastcote Lane North,
Northolt, London, UB5 4AB
Attendance Criteria:
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Able to swim 15 metres or more
Be comfortable in deep water
Would like to do more swimming
New to disability swimming
To register email Ealing Swimming Club: Email
fred@swimesc.co.uk
For enquiries email carl.cooper@swimming.org ParaSwimming pathway officer
Free Sense and Metro Swim Sessions 17 Feb - 25 May
2016!
Sense, the national charity that works with people who
experience sight and hearing impairments and Metro Blind
Sport running a friendly, weekly swimming session. Two
coaches are available to support during sessions. Carers and
support workers are welcome to come along and join in as well.
Dates: 17th February – 25th May Times: 11:30am -1:30pm
Venue: Mile End Leisure Centre, London, E3 4HL
How to book: Places are limited – to book a place
Please contact Ian Carpenter.
Email ian.carpenter@sense.org.uk or call 020 7014 9318
10. BBS Sport Specific Guides
British Blind Sport have begun developing sport-specific
educational resources to assist those who are delivering
sporting sessions with support and guidance on how to include
people with sight loss.
Links below and include:
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BBS Swimming page: http://bit.ly/1VqOOaz - Download Word
version: http://bit.ly/1OOSQaW
BBS Athletics page: http://bit.ly/1ZSswQm - Download Word
version: http://bit.ly\1UpRLI5
BBS Football page: http://bit.ly/1nnhXIo
- Download Word
version: http://bit.ly/1PSej0s
Open BBS Judo PDF: http://bit.ly/1OYuKIB
Social and Other Events
11. North London Actionnaires: War Horse
Come along for a touch tour and audio described performance
of the hit West End Show - War Horse! This event is only open
to blind or partially sighted children due to limited tickets.
The plan is to meet at the New London theatre reception at
12.20am to sign everyone off and get to our seats for the touch
tour. After this there will be time to head to the foyer to have a
drink and a snack and then follow with our 2.30 performance!
Venue: 166 Drury Lane, London,WC2B 5PW
Date: 27 February 2016 Time: 12.30am-5pm
Organiser: Action for Blind People
If you would like to attend Actionnaires for the first time, please
Contact Alan Whetherly, Children, Young People & Families
Officer on 0207 391 2053
Register your interest in this event by using this online form:
http://bit.ly/1nn5WTT
or Email alan.whetherly@actionforblindpeople.org.uk
12. Volunteering Opportunity - VI Awareness Training and
First Aid on Boats
This is aimed at sighted volunteer crew accompanying blind or
VI crew on sailing voyages.
Put Sat 5th March 2016 in your diaries when a VI awareness
course, with emphasis on practical activities, will be held in the
morning and a non-certificated First Aid course tailored to
common boating injuries and First Aid on boats will be held in
the afternoon at the EAST Waterside Centre.
Arrive at 10.15 for a 10.30 start. The day will finish by 4. There
will be an opportunity to purchase snacks at lunchtime.
If you would like to attend please RSVP can be extended to
February 15th.
Date: Sat 5th March 2016
Venue: EAST Waterside Community Centre Suffolk Yacht
Harbour Levington Suffolk IP10 0LN
Cost: Free, there is no cost for the course but we would love
people to sign up as crew!!
Contact: Anne Williams Email: annefelicia25@gmail.com or
call Anne on 07868226604
Under 18s & Family Friendly Events
13. West London Actionnaires - Swimming fun pool
Children and parents can enjoy the fun pool which includes a
flume and wave machine. All under 8s must be accompanied
by a parent or guardian
Venue: Brentford Fountain leisure centre, 658 Chiswick High
Road, Brentford, TW8 0HJ
Date: 27 February 2016 Time: 10.30am-12.00pm
Organiser: Action for Blind People
If you would like to attend Actionnaires for the first time, please
Contact Alan Whetherly on 0207 391 2053
Register your interest in this event by using this online
form http://bit.ly/1Q2eNn3
Contact: Email alan.whetherly@actionforblindpeople.org.uk or
call on 0207 391 2053
14. Vision Impaired Tennis Training Camp
Come and play tennis at our monthly tennis training camp for
the vision impaired. Receive specialist coaching led by our
Tennis Foundation coach and take part in some informal match
play. These monthly camps are open to players of all abilities
from beginners to advanced.
Camps will take place on the last Saturday of each month.
Age: 11+ to Adult Time: 14:00 - 17:00.
Date: Sat 27 February 2016 (last Saturday of each month.)
Cost: FREE for 18s and under, £2.50 for 18+
Where: Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre, London, E20
3AD.
Contact: Ask for Jack Pringle on 08456 770 604.
Call to Book a meet and greet from Leyton Station.
Getting here - sighted guide service available to assist players
to and from Leyton Station. Pick up at 13:30. If you’re running
late please call the centre on 08456 770 604.
To book your place please call 08456 770 604
Please note all players are required to book in advance
15. Aniridia Network UK - Charity of the Month
We are a support group and charity concerned with the rare
genetic condition aniridia – which causes a lack of irises (the
coloured ring) in the eyes and poor vision from birth.
For over 10 years Aniridia Network UK has been helping
people with aniridia as well as their families, doctors and
teachers to be: hopeful, confident, supported and well
informed about aniridia and related issues. We do this by:
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creating a positive, supportive network of families, individuals
and professionals in order to share ideas, experiences and give
emotional support
providing information, particularly to health professionals,
patients and their families, about aniridia, the related conditions
and their implications for the patient
providing information on education and the welfare system and
life skills relevant to aniridia and related conditions
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promoting research into the causes, effects, treatment and
management of aniridia and related conditions and publicising
the results.
For more information, Please visit the Aniridia Network
UK website: http://aniridia.org.uk
Upcoming events list!
Weekly: ParkRun Every Saturday in London Link to list:
http://bit.ly/1HGtTif
Weekly: Free Swimming, Monday,11am-12pm, Kensington Tel 020 7938 8181
Weekly: Free Swimming, Tues, 7.15pm-8pm, Kensington Email: sportandleisure@rbkc.gov.uk
Weekly: Tennis sessions at the ITC and NTC soon, Tennis
Event List: http://bit.ly/1Pj5K2i
Weekly: Indoor VI Tennis Session – Sutton, Surrey, Email
Luke: luke.mulvihill@suttontennisacademy.com
Weekly: Inclusive cycling, Herne Hill Velodrome, Mondays, Tel.
020 7346 8482
Weekly: Ladies only Cycling Programme, Westway Sports
Centre, Email: laura.pugh@westway.org
Weekly: VIP singers, St Thomas's Hospital, Monday mornings,
Tel. 0207 188 4569
Weekly: VI Track and Field session,14+, Newham, Coral
Email, Tel.07718 394756
Monthly: Acoustic shooting, Barnet, 2nd/4th Monday, Contact
Terry, Tel.0208 449 2503
Monthly: Archery Session Aspire Centre, Wandsworth, Email:
freddy2cokes@yahoo.co.uk
Monthly: Lee Valley VI Tennis Camp, 14:00 - 17:00, Tel.
08456 770 604
04 Feb: Indoors Bowls, Brixton Recreation Centre, Email:
ericgal@blueyonder.co.uk
06 Feb: PSFL League Tournament 4, 12.00 -17.00, Email:
Gareth.jones@tottenhamhotspur.com
07 Feb: Indoor VI Tennis Session, Every Sunday, Sutton,
Email Luke: luke.mulvihill@suttontennisacademy.com
10 Feb: Blind Tennis Session – Islington Tennis Centre, Email:
odetteb@pocklington-trust.org.uk
14 Feb: Archery Session Aspire Centre, Wandsworth, Email:
freddy2cokes@yahoo.co.uk
20 Feb: Futsal - Training, The Score, Email:
Gareth.jones@tottenhamhotspur.com
20 Feb: Richmond Multi Sport Event, Email:
ian.francis@metroblindsport.org
21 Feb: Metro Members Tennis Tournament 1pm – 7pm at the
ITC http://bit.ly/1KahwvD
27 Feb: Lee Valley VI Tennis Camp, 14:00 - 17:00, Tel. 08456
770 604
13 Feb: Lords Cricket Nets session - for more info, Email:
rory.field74@gmail.com
20 Mar: South East Regional Tennis Tournament - Sutton http://bit.ly/1Tnj47v
26 Mar: Lords Cricket Nets session - for more info - Email:
rory.field74@gmail.com
25 June: Metro 40th Anniversary Athletics Open - Mile End,
Email: ian.francis@metroblindsport.org
Editors Shout out!
Thanks to our member’s valuable feedback, our Newsletters
are now being created in four versions and with the use of short
links for our screen reader and print copy members. In addition,
from now on all Metro members news flashes will be in plain
text format only, to help get any urgent news or updates to all
as quickly as possible and in a format all email clients can read.
Keep checking our Events list: http://bit.ly/204yFOw and our
latest News page: http://bit.ly/20sjons or follow us on Twitter
@MetroVISports http://bit.ly/1nORDYh to get the latest event
Information as it arrives!
If you are member with a story to tell or a Metro partner with an
event to shout about, please get your articles to me by the 25th
of the month! Tweet your events and sporting photos to
@MetroVISports and we will happily retweet!
Feedback, Articles and suggestions are always welcome.
Email: saul.wynne@metroblindsport.org
Contact Us:
Sports Development Officer
Ian Francis - 07814 751643
Director of Sports Development
Roy Smith MBE – W: 020 8090 9271 H: 020 8255 7788