This week, we’re getting to know 5 of our recently recruited Youth Forum members. First up this week we are learning more about Leo Johnson!
- Name – Leo Johnson
- Age – 17
- Goalball Club – South Yorkshire
How did you get involved with goalball?
I first became aware of goalball and blind and VI sports in 2017 when I went to a ‘have a go’ weekend at the Royal National College for the Blind (RNC) in Hereford. However, it wasn’t until April 2019 that I discovered that there were places near me that I could play. I went to a Young Leader camp at RNC and met Kathryn who coaches for my area. She told me about a club that train in my area and I started going.
What do you do outside of goalball?
I am currently an A-level student studying Spanish, Maths, and English Literature. I haven’t fully decided what I want to do in the future yet however, I am determined and want to be able to achieve everything that a fully sighted person can and not let my visual impairment hold me back.
Outside of my education, I enjoy expressing my creativity through experimenting with applying and wearing makeup, which I have found accessible ways to do with my visual impairment. I also enjoy going for walks. I volunteer at a Cub Scout group as a Young Leader and I go on camps and hikes with them which are good fun.
What made you want to be involved with the Youth Forum?
I am passionate about making things accessible to people who are blind or partially sighted because I think that everyone should be able to achieve what they want, regardless of ability or disability.
