The International Blind Sports Federation

Research has shown that organized sports contribute greatly to a person’s confidence, coordination, and self-esteem. For physically challenged people, sports can be invaluable in helping them overcome their disabilities and get beyond any feelings of impairment. For blind and visually impaired people, sports can be particularly challenging - but can also be particularly rewarding.

The International Blind Sports Federation was founded in 1981 in Paris, and since then the organization has been evolving steadily to adapt to the continual changes in the arena of sports for the blind and visually impaired. IBSF has been registered as a non-profit public interest organization in Spain, and the group serves as full members in the International Paralympic Committee (IPC). They are legitimate representatives and advocates for sporting activities for blind people, ensuring that their needs are met and they have access to appropriate training and events.

As a non-profit organization, the IBSF is able to operate as a unique entity with the sole purpose of developing and promoting sports for the blind and visually impaired. They are also committed to assisting national member organizations all over the world, especially groups in countries that have had difficulties spreading the word within their countries about sports for the blind and visually impaired, and countries that do not have officially established school sports programs for children with visual impairments, or local and national competitions.

The athletics sponsored by the IBSF include Alpine skiing, judo, goalball, swimming, powerlifting, cycling, archery, ten-pin bowling, futsal (football with five players on each side), biathlons, shooting, nine-pin bowling, Nordic skiing, and general athletics.

IBSF believes that sporting is the perfect way to support integrating disabled people generally, and particularly the blind. Getting involved in sports can help people overcome their disabilities by empowering their self-esteem and encouraging them in overcoming difficulties, and by aiding their normalization in a daily living environment. In essence, sports can help bring about a complete sense of fulfillment for athletes who are blind or visually impaired, and the IBSF has a mission to help achieve those goals.