Lois, who has aniridia has been “recognised and commended for her cricketing, determination and courage” at a recent awards evening.
She has benefited from Street Chance a charity initiative to get disadvantaged young people playing cricket and so “increase aspiration, promote mutual respect, and enhance relationships with others”. She is now a top player on the Surrey visually impaired cricket team.
For more details watch the video below and read the full story about the Sutton teenage recognised at girls’ cricket gala dinner.
Lois said “Overall I think that my ability to play cricket despite my disability is brilliant opportunity. To be able to mix with other people my own age who do not have a disability and to be treated equally is a wonderful feeling. The fact that I have aniridia does not seem to make a difference to the relationship between me and my cricketing friends.”
“Most of my friends do not notice any difference from me but there them is when it comes to dark or very bright conditions. My friends adapt themselves very well to this and offer to help me out when they realise that I am struggling. I feel that having a disability should not stop any one from succeeding and one should carry on doing what they love no matter what – like I do with my cricket.”
Lois’s coach explained how she plays such a visual game:”When she bowls, the wicket-keeper will clap from behind the stumps to help Lois judge the distance between her and the batter, and if Lois is batting, the bowler will shout play as the ball is released.”
Do you play sport and have a visual impairment? Tell us about it to inform and inspire others about what is possible with aniridia.