A new opportunity for people who are blind or have low vision to be active and healthy is set to hit Newcastle.
Achilles Australia facilitates training and participation in running and walking events for people with a disability, including blindness or low vision, and is set to open a Newcastle chapter.
Achilles chapters pair runners who are blind or have low vision or live with any other disability with an able-bodied runner, who provides guidance and general support.
Vision Australia, the leading national provider of blindness and low vision services, is encouraging the blind and low vision community from across the Newcastle region to become involved.
“Something that’s as everyday as heading to the local park for a run or a walk can often be off-limits for people who are blind or have low vision. This means our community can easily miss out on a great way to stay fit and healthy,” Jordan Ashby, Vision Australia Hunter and Central coast coordinator of community relations, said.
“Achilles opening a chapter in Newcastle means our community will be provided with a chance to be active in a safe, supportive and social environment,” Jordan said.
Newcastle will be the fifth Achilles Australia chapter, following in the footsteps of Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Canberra. Achilles Newcastle’s Melissa Moss said, “Our vision is to create an Australia where people with disabilities can enjoy the social, recreational and health benefits of an active lifestyle,” Melissa said.
The benefits are not only mental and physical, but from a mobility and treatment point of view an active lifestyle can do wonders for people with a disability,” she said.
People who are blind or have low vision interested in learning more about the Newcastle chapter are encouraged to come along to an information session at on April 23, where they’ll also be able to meet the Newcastle Jets A-League squad.
“The information session is an opportunity for people to learn how Achilles Australia works and how they can get involved as well,” Jordan said.
“Achilles Australia shows you don’t have to be sighted to have an interest in sport or being active, so it’s great we can have the Jets along on the day and allow some of our community to meet some local sporting heroes.”
The Achilles Newcastle information session will be held at Newcastle University from 11am-12pm on Tuesday, April 23 at The University of Newcastle. For more information, email [email protected].