Volunteering at the Blind World Cup
Four QE students - Matt Carnelley, Sophie Watchman, Hannah Marshall and Jade Armstrong - spent part of their summer helping to organise a major international sporting event. They were amongst volunteers who helped at the 2010 Football Blind World Championships. Held in Hereford in August, the Blind World Cup was the biggest disability sports event ever to be held in this country.
Over the past year QE leadership and volunteering programme has developed a strong partnership with British Blind Sport (BBS). This has allowed the College’s students to undertake training provided by BBS and subsequently many have volunteered at various sports events for children who are blind and visually impaired. Following on from this work, Matt, Sophie, Hannah and Jade were nominated by Durham County Football Association and BBS to be volunteers at the Blind World Cup.
Mark Scott, PE teacher at QE, explains:
"Once nominated, the students had to undergo a rigorous application and selection procedure which involved an in - depth interview. Being selected to help at the World Cup was a major achievement in itself, as our students were the only non-local volunteers to be picked.
At the 12-day event they took on various roles, from hosting VIPs to assisting in sight-testing the players - all helping in the smooth organisation of the tournament. I am extremely proud of what they contributed to the event."
Jade Armstrong says:
"The experience of being involved in the running of an international sports event was incredible! I have learned so much and developed lots of new skills I can take with me into a career in sport. To work with and see the visually impaired players play to such a high standard was inspirational. We were privileged to be there and made lots of new friends from all over the world!”
September 8, 2010