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Blind kids go to extremes
28th September 2007
Blind children tackled planks and tightropes 40 feet up in the air last week. Aerial Extreme made it possible using vocal commands.
Thirty children, all members of charity Visually Impaired Children Taking Action (VICTA), came with their guardians for a free session.
They were given the option of either the ‘budding extremist’ or ‘extremist’ courses, which span over 300 metres in total and include zip wires, balance beams and giant spider webs.
The first first is 20 feet high and the second is 40 feet high. There is also a voluntary 40ft drop that gives the sense of free falling and brings people to a gradual soft landing.
It uses a state-of-the-art, unique safety system that never requires you to clip and unclip from your safety line. So far 30,000 people have used it.
Aerial Extreme general manager Simon House said: “what many people do not realise is that Aerail Extreme is a course for everyone of all abilities and ages but it ultimately challenges people both physically and mentally at the same time as being great fun. We have been in discussions with VICTA for a few weeks and wanted to demonstrate our great leisure facility and how it can build confidence, encourage team work and offer an exciting outdoor adventure for all”.
VICTA provides support for visually impaired children and their families.
Management have confirmed they will be working with organisers of VICTA to help raise their profle and look to support in any forthcoming fundraising activies.
Mr House said: “We hope people will be inspired by the children from VICTA and decide to take their own Aerial Extreme challenge.”
Source: MKNews - 26th September 2007 Picture: Andy Handley; MKNews
