Martin believes that as a VI cricketer himself he has the edge over sighted coaches because he has a basic understanding of people’s needs. “Everyone has different sight levels, different levels of fitness we start with the basics and build on that. We were complimented on how well organised our girls were.”
His role as coach gives Martin a great deal of satisfaction because he believes that sport is a good way of encouraging visually impaired people to be independent.
“Taking girls on who have never been able to see a game of cricket and explaining this is the ball, these are the stumps, it’s slow progress but then they get to play in an international game.”
As well as going back to coach cricket in Barbados is also trying help visually impaired children in schools in by sending out equipment for them.
“The cricket kit we can help with but if anyone at SRSB has any sight aids they are not using magnifying glasses, talking watches, anything sitting in a cupboard they are not using if they could bring it in and I will arrange for it to be sent out. I made memories I will never forget and I would like to do something to help.”
We were very grateful to Sheffield Cricket Lover's Society for their support with Martin's trip.
|