Inclusive family sports day to raise awareness of eye condition
The University will be hosting an event to introduce sports for people with reduced vision and to raise awareness of the eye condition Nystagmus on Sunday 1 November.
Attendees will be given the opportunity to take part in fun sports such as athletics, dance, cricket, boccia, goalball, football and wacky races – as well as a number of other engaging games and activities.
The event coincides with the 3rd International Nystagmus Awareness Day, which will take place on 4 November, and is held in collaboration with Vista, Action for Blind People and Charnwood Borough Council.
The event, organised by the Ophthalmology Group in the Department of Neuroscience, Psychology and Behaviour, will be a chance for both children and adults to find out more about sporting opportunities for the visually impaired with the hope of raising awareness of those with the eye condition Nystagmus.
Nystagmus, a condition causing the eyes to move involuntarily, affects approximately two to three in 1,000 people and is the main cause of serious visual impairment among school age children. As an adult it can affect many aspects of the sufferer’s life, from driving to eye contact and job interviews. The sports day is one of many worldwide initiatives arranged to promote Wobbly Wednesday, taking place on 4 November, organised by the Nystagmus Network UK. The network provides information, help and support to sufferers of the condition.
The sports day takes place on Sunday 1 November between 10am – 2pm at the Charles Wilson Sports Hall, University of Leicester.
Watch Dr Rebecca McLean from the Department of Neuroscience, Psychology and Behaviour discuss Nystagmus (3:23):