Blind veterans participate in 2026 Sultan sports day
BLIND VETERANS came together from across the UK took part in a Sports Day as part of an exciting programme of activities on offer at the HMS Sultan Blind Veterans UK Summer Camp.; which included multiple challenges over eight days of full-on action at the Gosport-based training establishment.
Hoopla, basketball, deck hockey and skittles were just some of the challenges undertaken by the group of veterans, who were aided by their human ‘dogs’, a group of volunteers from HMS Sultan and the retired Service community.
The veterans gathered at the Royal Navy Air and Marine engineering training base as part of a week packed full of fun and exciting diverse activities, which will also include sailing, archery, lawn bowls, a visit to the Royal Artillery Equestrian Centre, and a trip to the Middle Wallop Army Air Museum. All activities are aimed at encouraging those who suffer from sight loss to remain independent.
Historically supported by the Fleet Air Arm Field Gun Crew for over 50 years, the Blind Veterans UK Summer Camp has been successfully hosted by HMS Sultan since 1996 following the closure of HMS Daedalus. Many of those Field Gunners who were associated with supporting the event prior to the move are still involved to this day. This year’s camp was held from August 7 (Friday) to August 15 (Saturday and welcomed a group of seventeen blind veterans and fifteen helpers to HMS Sultan.
Among this year’s campers was first-time attendee Steve Parnell, who served as a steward in the RAF between 1986 and 1991. Steve was diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa, a degenerative eye condition, in 1991, and was registered blind in 2004. Losing his sight cost him his job and forced him to move back in with his parents, but Steve rebuilt his life and career from the ground up. He retrained first as a fitness instructor, working in the industry for 15 years, before qualifying as a remedial massage therapist, a career he continues today across a private practice and community clubs.
Alongside this, Steve has become an accomplished triathlete, completing around 20 Olympic distance triathlons and a further 20 sprint triathlons, a journey that began with support and encouragement from Blind Veterans UK staff and fellow members, who helped him build the confidence and skills, including learning to swim, needed to take on his first full triathlon in London’s Docklands.
Steve said: “This is the first time I’ve come to the camp, so I was a little bit nervous, but what I love about it is the camaraderie. Civilians don’t really get it, but it doesn’t matter if you were Air Force, Navy or Army, you’ve got that in common, and everyone gives you encouragement, with a bit of military humour thrown in too. The volunteer ‘dogs’ make such a difference as well. John’s helping me around this week, and even something like finding my way back from the showers, which isn’t far, but I keep losing my way, having that bit of support makes it so much easier. I had a go at archery yesterday too, and out of all the shots I took, I think I only missed two, which I was really pleased with.”
He continued: “If I was speaking to other veterans and their families who haven’t been before, I’d say just give it a go. Even though the week is full on, it gives me a chance to properly relax and recharge my batteries away from work. Everyone here is friendly and supportive, and it doesn’t matter your level of ability, there’ll be something for everyone to do. If you try something and you can’t do it, that’s fine, at least you’ve given it a go, that’s exactly how I felt before my first triathlon. I hate rock climbing and I still can’t do it, but I gave it a go anyway. Everyone here is just so helpful, and that support makes all the difference.”
Captain Mark Hamilton, Commanding Officer of HMS Sultan, said: “It is a privilege to welcome the veterans into HMS Sultan, once again, for the Blind Veterans Summer Camp. The week is crammed full of exciting and challenging activates, in a unique environment, which allows them to re-engage in the camaraderie of the Armed Forces, in a way which also challenges stereotypes around disabilities. Everyone of our campers, provide an outstanding example of what can be achieved with the will to overcome adversity.”
Adrian Bell, CEO of Blind Veterans UK, said: “Every time I attend this camp, I’m reminded of why it’s so special. The camaraderie, of old friends coming back together, and the integration of new campers into the community, the challenge of new activities, and the support from HMS Sultan create an environment where our members can grow in confidence and flourish.”
He concluded by saying: “As a naval veteran myself, I know how important the bonds that bind us are, and I’m proud to see the difference they make to the lives of our members. I’m so grateful to everyone at HMS Sultan for their fantastic support which makes this exceptional week possible.”
Readers can see more information about the Gosport-based training establishment and its seventy years of history by clicking on this link.
PICTURED BY LEADING PHOTOGRAPHER DAMIEN BYE: Blind veterans from across the UK gathered in Gosport, Hampshire, for an exciting programme of activities on offer at the HMS Sultan Blind Veterans UK Summer Camp.
