For my bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award I volunteered at SSW. SSW is a charity aiming to promote inclusivity and advocate for rights for the visually impaired people. Before I could serve the charity I had to go through training on how to properly assist a visually impaired person. This included a slideshow presentation on different types of visual impairment and what they see, and an activity simulating walking a blind person around a street using blindfolds. After finishing all necessary training, I was awarded a certificate.
While I was at the charity I had to help with a game called Showdown they host every Friday. The aim of the game is to bat the ball off the side wall, along the table, under the centre wall and into the opponent’s goal. To help I would referee games played between the people at the charity, eg keeping track of points and fouls. I also, when needed, played against them or helped them practice. It took me a while to learn the rules or even get good at the sport and while I have improved they still beat me even when I’m not blindfolded!
Overall my experience at SSW was very positive. The people there were friendly and very good at Showdown. I enjoyed and learnt a lot about the sport and was happy to have volunteered there for my Duke of Edinburgh Award.
