The International Blind Sports Federation (IBSA) is encouraging athletes, fans, Members, International and national federations, coaches and anyone with an interest in sports for people with vision impairments to get involved in the latest World Blind Sports Day on 24 April 2024.

The first World Blind Sports Day was held in 2021 to mark 40 years since IBSA was founded at the UNESCO headquarters in Paris, France, in 1981.

Given that the organisation was founded in the host city of the next Paralympic Games, this year World Blind Sports Day is highlighting the Paralympic sports that athletes can compete in at an elite or grass-roots level.

There are currently 12 sports at the Paralympics that feature athletes with vision impairments – nine summer and three winter: Athletics, blind football, cycling, equestrian, goalball, judo, rowing, swimming, triathlon, alpine skiing, biathlon and cross-country skiing.

Goalball, blind football and judo – all sports governed by IBSA – specifically cater for athletes with a vision impairment at the Paralympic Games.

Outside of the Paralympics there are a huge variety of sports to practice. These include powerlifting, chess, showdown, tenpin bowling, ninepin bowling, partially sighted football and shooting.

Visit www.ibsasport.org and click on the ‘sports’ tab to find out more.

IBSA President, Ilgar Rahimov, said: “It is a joy to soft launch the return of World Blind Sports Day ahead of a full revamp for 2025. We feel strongly that it is important to have a special day dedicated to athletes with vision impairments and sports from across the world, to celebrate their achievements and reveal new possibilities for all.

“That is why we will be working hard over the next 12 months to make the 2025 edition really spectacular, and hope to bring Members and partner organisations – current or future – along with us. I look forward to seeing what we can achieve together.”

Anyone can take part in World Blind Sports Day on 24 April and share their pictures and videos using #WorldBlindSportsDay and tagging @ibsablindsports or their favourite IBSA sport. IBSA will then share those updates on its social media platforms.

Information about the wide variety of sports available for all ages and abilities can be found at IBSA’s website. From showdown to shooting and blind football to powerlifting, there is something for everyone.