About Irish Blind Sports

To help us improve our service to you, please take part in our survey. Please click here.

For a list of frequently asked questions, please click here.

We know from research that there are significant benefits to be gained from being fit and active; this applies equally, if not more so, to the blind and visually impaired community:
Horowitz (1994)

On the other hand:
“The social aspects, self-confidence and self-esteem building that come through sport are immeasurable”
Wales Council for the Blind (2005)

“Sport’s value in promoting health, physical strength, endurance, social integration and psychological well-being is of little doubt. It is not difficult to understand why sport is important for the well-being of people both with, and without, a disability”
Chawla (1994)

Founded in 1989, Irish Blind Sports caters for the competitive and recreational needs of its members, who participate at all levels from have a go days to elite Paralympic competition. IBS offers many different sporting activities from athletics to judo, water skiing to football, swimming to tandem cycling and tenpin bowling; as well as the more sedate activities of chess and walking.



Overall responsibility for the strategic direction of IBS rests with the Chairman and board of directors.

The directors of IBS represent a cross-section of its membership. Blind and visually impaired members hold positions on the board, supplemented by sighted people possessing unique skills and competencies, relevant to a progressive sporting organisation. Typically, directors hold office for a period of two years.

Responsibility for day-to-day management of IBS rests with the executive director.

If you would like to find out more about Irish Blind Sports and its activities (or if you would like to become involved), please contact us.