Roy discussed:
- that the ball has ball bearings inside that make a sound;
- how the boards around the side of the pitch are used to create echoes so the players know where the ball is;
- how the crowd have to be quiet during the match in order for the players to hear the ball;
- how the goalkeeper is the only player on the pitch who is fully sighted; and,
- why the players have to all wear blindfolds (due to different levels of blindness).
The afternoon was fascinating and Roy was a superb role model for sport in general as well as proving to the children that you can overcome any barriers that come your way. He explained to the children that they could achieve anything they wanted to if they put their mind to it and that nothing should prevent them from following their dreams or giving something a go!
Roy also brought along with him his guide dog Pudsey who was so smart, well-trained and clearly the most wonderful companion to his owner.
Earlier in the afternoon, the children took part in a fitness circuit class in order to raise money for 'Sports For Schools'. Some of the money raised gets passed back to the schools and the rest is shared amongst athletes who are training to represent our country in any sport.
Forms were sent out by Mrs Ross earlier this month and in one of the blog entries below is an online link to a fundraising form.
Today was about fundraising, but more importantly a chance for the children to understand more about blindness and how it doesn't necessarily stop you doing things you want to do; you just might have to do them differently!