A London charity for blind and partially sighted people has been awarded the highest award for local voluntary groups by King Charles III.
Metro Blind Sport, often known as Metro, was granted The King’s Award, an equivalent to an MBE, in recognition of 50 years of voluntary service.
The charity has offered sports and social activities for blind and partially sighted people since its inception in 1973, and CEO Rory Field expressed gratitude for the charity being recognised by His Majesty The King.
Field said: ‘’We are honoured to have been awarded the King’s Award for Voluntary Service.
‘’Being blind or partially sighted need not stop people playing sports or being physically active.
‘’Metro has been at the forefront of promoting sport for people with sight loss since it began in the early 70s and has played a pivotal role in the growth, and even the UK introduction, of such pursuits over the decades.”
Lord-Lieutenant of Greater London, Sir Ken Olisa, will present representatives of Metro Blind Sport with the award crystal and certificate later this summer.
Two volunteers from Metro Blind Sport will also visit Buckingham Palace in the City of Westminster for a garden party in May and June 2024.
Field was also keen to use the charity’s success to highlight the positive impact of sport on individuals’ physical, mental and emotional health.
He said: ‘’We all know sport delivers many social, physical and mental health benefits, impacting on lives on and off the field of play.
‘’We can’t stress enough that our success doesn’t just make our people fitter and better at sport, but has provable, positive effects on employment, mobility, confidence, social interaction and more besides.’’
The King’s Award was launched in 2002 in commemoration of Queen Elizabeth II’s Golden Jubilee, and King Charles III outlined his desire for the award to continue after his accession to the throne.
Recipients of The King’s Award are announced annually on 14th November, The King’s Birthday.
This year there were 262 recipients of The King’s Award Voluntary Service from across the UK and Channel Islands.
Featured Image Credit: Metro Blind Sport
