We are delighted to welcome future Paralympian Souleyman Bah, as one of our patrons.
Souleyman (Soul) Bah, a 22 year old Para-athlete, was diagnosed with Retina Pigmentosa at the age of six. He won a gold medal in the 100m at the Paralympic School Games and featured in the 2019 BBC series of The Apprentice – it’s first disabled candidate! He is currently in training for the Paris 2024 Paralympics and works with schools and businesses as motivational speaker.
This year, Soul has been working with Berkshire Vision as part of our employability project, ‘Eyes on our Futures’, which helps visually impaired people into employment, volunteer and training opportunities, as well as building confidence. In the UK only 24% of visually impaired people are in employment and Soul spoke to a group who are part of Berkshire Vision’s project to tell his story and talk about motivations, goals and ways into work.
Soul said “I am absolutely honoured and delighted to be presented with the opportunity to be a patron for such an incredible organisation as Berkshire Vision. To not only represent, but also contribute in any way I can, to continue the great work they are doing in the areas of sport and employment is a privilege. Berkshire Vision changes the lives of visually impaired individuals, their families and the wider society (which I have seen for myself). Equipping people with the necessary skills, confidence and support to be the best versions of themselves. An organisation like this, which genuinely impacts lives in a positive way deserves all the backing it can get.”
Laura Mitchell, CEO at Berkshire Vision, said. “We are delighted that Soul is joining us a patron. His determination and success will be an inspiration to many of the visually impaired children and adults we support in Berkshire. We can’t wait to work with him further and to follow his Paralympic journey.
Soul will be working with Berkshire Vision on many exciting projects, including sports activities for our visually impaired members.
