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David Moorcroft OBE named as new British Blind Sport patron

As part of their 40th Anniversary celebrations, British Blind Sport, the national charity for visually impaired people in sport   name David Moorcroft OBE as a new patron.

British Blind Sport (BBS) is delighted to announce that David Moorcroft OBE will be joining its prestigious line up of patrons including Sally Gunnell OBE, Tony Larkin and Paralympians' Ben Quilter and Noel Thatcher MBE.

David is a former middle-distance and long-distance runner and the former world record holder of the 5,000 metres. He is still the UK record holder of the 3,000 metres. His athletic career spanned the late 1970s and 1980s. He subsequently served as the Chief Executive of UK Athletics from 1997 to 2007 and continues to make a huge contribution to sport. David is currently the Director of Sport for Join In, the national charity for local sports volunteering.

BBS acknowledges David’s sporting accomplishments and is impressed with his continued drive and commitment to promote a better world of sport. 

Commenting on his appointment as patron, David said:

'As BBS patron, I am looking forward to the opportunity to extend my support to both children and adults with sight loss. BBS does such great work providing opportunities to help the visually impaired community gain positive experiences and develop their skills through sport. I am honoured to have been asked to be involved in such a progressive sporting organisation.'


British Blind Sport Chief Executive Officer, Alaina MacGregor said:

'2015 is a year of celebration for British Blind Sport and for David to join us in our 40th anniversary year is very special to the charity and our members. BBS recognises David as a successful British athlete in his own right.  He is a person who has used his ability and passion to strive to help others achieve their best through sport. This is a value that aligns to all that we hope to achieve for visually impaired people from grassroots to Paralympic level. We are thrilled that he recognises the work of the charity and that he has agreed to join us as a patron.'


This announcement comes as BBS get's ready to host a fun, new sports participation event in Coventry on Saturday 11 July.

A new event to the BBS sporting calendar, the festival marks an important milestone for the charity. British Blind Sport is celebrating 40 years of helping blind and partially sighted people get active and play sport. Founded in 1975, the charity prides itself on ‘making a visible difference through sport’ – breaking down barriers to participation and encouraging more visually impaired children and adults to take part in sport and physical activity.

The BBS Festival of VI Sport is a free event for blind and partially sighted people of all ages and abilities. Showcasing many different sports and activities, the event is a great opportunity for visually impaired people to take part in a sport or activity they enjoy with friends and family.

BBS Festival of VI Sport: where & when

  • Saturday 11 July
  • King Henry VIII School Sports Centre, Warwick Road, Coventry, CV3 6AQ
  • Activities and sport sessions will take place from 12.00pm - 4.00pm

More information about the BBS Festival of VI Sport can be found on the British Blind Sport website.
To register your place at the Festival please email Ross Hayward, British Blind Sport Participation Delivery Officer.