Blind Sports NSW Response to COVID-19
Blind Sports NSW Response to COVID-19
Blind Sports NSW would like to assure members that our absolute priority continues to be the health and safety of all participants, coaches, volunteers, staff and spectators as we navigate the unprecedented COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic. The impact of this virus is evolving at a rapid rate, particularly throughout the state of New South Wales.
Blind Sports NSW is actively monitoring the latest advice on COVID-19 from the Australian Government, NSW Health, Sport Australia and the World Health Organisation, and will continue to provide updates to the blind sporting community as they become available. Our organisation has been working closely with NSW Health and NSW Department of Education since the breakout of COVID-19, in order to implement consistent measures aimed at reducing the spread of the virus. These measures include the cancellation of excursions, travel and inter-school events, as well as adhering to personal hygiene practices and social distancing as recommended by the relevant health authorities.
In order to minimise the community risk posed by COVID-19, Blind Sports NSW has postponed the following events:
- iFLY Indoor Sky Diving on Friday 17th April
- High School Vision Camp from Monday 18th - Friday 22nd May
- Monthly Multi Sports Days on weekends
- Weekly Vision Impaired Tennis sessions on Tuesday evenings
- Weekly Goalball training on Wednesday evenings
It is the intention of Blind Sports NSW to recommence programs in late August/early September, however this will be subject to health guidelines at that time, with our sole focus being the health and safety of all members.
Blind Sports NSW remains committed to providing ongoing opportunities for members to stay active during this difficult time. The Blind Sports NSW Board has implemented a strategy to increase online capability in relation to podcast episodes and fitness/training sessions, specifically tailored for blind/vision impaired participants. This initiative is a high priority for Blind Sports NSW in upcoming weeks, as we recognise the importance of staying connected and exercising to maintain a healthy mental and physical state.
We will continue to closely monitor this situation and bring you up to date as further information comes to light. In the meantime, we encourage you to stay safe and follow the advice provided by medical experts as detailed in the below list of resources.
If you require any additional support or would like to get in touch with a member of the Blind Sports NSW team, please use the contact details below:
| Murray Elbourn | Chief Executive Officer | 0427 186 734 | murray.elbourn@blindsportsnsw.com.au |
| Sophie Milton | Program Manager | 0414 767 724 | sophie.milton@blindsportsnsw.com.au |
Additional Information and Resources
- NSW Government
- World Health Organisation (WHO)
- Australian Government
- Australian Department of Health
- Current situation and case numbers
- COVID-19 Campaign (multiple videos and print resources)
- Australian Health Sector Emergency Response Plan for Novel Coronavirus
Download Word version HERE.
