A CHARITY designed to help blind and visually impaired children get into sport has begun a partnership with a local school where they host weekly sessions that see all youngsters step into the shoes of those who are living with the disability.

The Young Champions-shortlisted charity Focus4Vision began working with Hunningley Primary Academy before the summer, hosting a handful of taster sessions that allowed their visually impaired pupils to take part in karate and goalball.

However the sessions were so successful that the school has now asked the charity to take part in the curriculum, with members coming into the school every Wednesday to host blind sporting sessions that kids have thrown themselves into.

Chairman, Brendan Bailey, told the Chronicle: “After the taster sessions they told us they were happy with what we’d delivered and wanted it to be delivered alongside the curriculum.

“We obviously said yes, everyone here thought it would be fantastic.

“I think we all agreed that we want education to be more inclusive, because sports in schools currently is just for able-bodied people.

“It’s a very niche disability, so you’re not going to have lots of children with visual impairment in one group.

“But schools will always have someone, so this is helping to make everyone feel involved.”

Lessons see pupils blindfolded while they play, with able-bodied children making the most of the opportunity to step into the shoes of their disabled peers.

“It’s not just for the visually impaired,” Brendan added.

“Able-bodied kids get to learn more about blind sport and they get a chance to see what it’s like to play sports while blind.

“Since going in we can’t believe how all the kids have taken to it, they really enjoy it and can’t wait to put the blindfold on

“I’m forever getting asked questions about blind sports and how they work.

“My son goes to that school so as a parent I’m happy to know that children are accepting and want to help and understand what he goes through.”