British Blind Sport (BBS) proudly welcomes two new trustees, Monica Smith and Yahya Pandor, whose passion and expertise will help shape the future of blind and partially sighted sports. Both bring a wealth of experience and a shared commitment to using sport and physical activity to positively change the lives of people living with sight loss in the UK.

Monica is a highly experienced professional fundraiser who has successfully raised significant funds for charities through trusts, foundations, and high-net-worth individuals, driving real change in the sector. As an accomplished athlete, she competed at the 2023 IBSA World Games in Birmingham, securing both gold and silver medals in tennis.

On her appointment, Monica said:

"I am delighted to become part of the team that is making a visible difference in sport for blind and partially sighted people. I want others to experience the life-changing benefits I have derived from participation in sport. As I have benefitted enormously from participating in blind sport at both a social and competitive level, I share BBS's mission of ensuring people with sight loss have the same opportunities as sighted people to access and enjoy sport and physical activity."

Yahya is an athlete and advocate who holds the record as the first blind person to run a marathon untethered. As a BBS Trustee and See Sport Differently Ambassador, he hopes to continue showcasing the limitless possibilities for blind and partially sighted people in sport.

On his appointment, Yahya said:

"I'm thrilled to join the Board of Trustees at British Blind Sport and contribute to an organisation that has been pivotal in empowering blind and partially sighted people to embrace the transformative power of sport. Sport has been a cornerstone of my journey, and I'm excited to help shape initiatives that inspire others to push boundaries, discover their potential, and live active, fulfilling lives."

BBS Chair of Trustees, Sallie Barker MBE, welcomed the new appointments, stating:

"I am delighted to welcome Monica and Yahya to our Board of Trustees this April. Their skills and lived experience will be invaluable to us as we continue to implement our strategy over the coming years. I am confident that their contribution will strengthen BBS and help us achieve our ambitious goals."

To learn more about our Trustees and how BBS champions inclusivity in sport, visit: www.britishblindsport.org.uk/trustees