YOUNG people got a real insight into how people with visual impairments can enjoy sport as they participated in various events without the use of their eyes.

Around 170 pupils were coached by professionals at Brighton Hill Community School, where they took part in blind sports.

Organised by Open Sight, a Hampshire charity that works with visually-impaired people, the event was funded using an award from The Big Lottery Fund Awards for All.

Students from the school, in Brighton Way, Basing-stoke, were joined by youngsters from Chalk Ridge Primary School, in Sullivan Road, Brighton Hill, to play goalball, football, athletics and cricket, while wearing eye masks.

Coaches showing the pupils how to play without the use of their eyes included Bridget Knott, whose two partially-sighted sons competed for Team GB at the Paralympics in the goalball event.

Mrs Knott taught students how to play the sport, which was introduced to the Paralympics in 1976 for the visually-impaired.

The indoor sport uses a court with the same dimensions as volleyball, with the object being to roll the ball into the opposition’s goal.

Mrs Knott, who recently launched Winchester Goal-ball, said: “We had a fantastic day.

“The participants really threw themselves into goalball, and their enthusiasm was infectious.

“They obviously took in the coaching and applied it immediately.”

Tess Barrett, chief executive of Open Sight, said: “We were delighted to be able to deliver these sessions. Watching the children’s faces was inspiring.

“We want to highlight the fact that having a visual impairment doesn’t stop you from participating in sports, but we also want to highlight the importance of keeping your eyes healthy.

“We hope to be working with both schools in the next academic year.”