Hull-based Paralympian and blind athlete Roy Turnham has teamed up with Hull City Council’s Integrated Physical and Sensory Service (IPaSS) Vision Support Team to deliver two inspiring vision impaired (VI) tennis taster days for young people living with sight loss.
This autumn, Roy and his team from Roy Turnham’s Vision Impairment Training and Active Living Skills (RT Vitals) visited St Mary’s College and Priory Primary School, where 10 students took part in tailored sessions designed to build confidence, teamwork, and essential movement skills. Roy, who has been blind from birth and has represented Great Britain in blind football, cricket, and athletics, worked one-to-one with pupils to help develop spatial awareness before introducing them to the fundamentals of VI tennis.
The sessions were delivered in partnership with the Vision Support Team at IPaSS, who provide specialist assistance to children and young people with sensory needs across Hull. The taster days offered a valuable opportunity for students to try a new sport in a fully supported and accessible environment.
Looking ahead, Roy is set to return in January 2026 to co-deliver a full-day PE training event with Blind in Sport. Around 30 staff, including teachers from schools across the city and members of the Vision Support Team, will receive practical training on creating more inclusive, engaging PE lessons for young people with vision impairments.
Councillor Linda Tock, Portfolio Holder for Children’s Services, said:
“We are delighted to work with Roy to give young people with vision impairments opportunities like this. His experience, passion, and commitment to inclusive sport make a real difference, and it’s fantastic to see schools across Hull embracing the importance of accessible PE for all.”
