Vision-impaired archer James Griffiths targets Paralympics with trust, sound, and touch

James Griffiths draws his bow, steadies his breath, and aims at a target he cannot see. Diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes at 19, complications affected his eyesight and kidneys, leading to a kidney-pancreas transplant. Now, he uses touch, sound, and trust in vision-impaired archery.

Griffiths discovered archery through Gippsland Disability Advocacy Incorporated's "come and try" session and is now working towards the World Archery Para Championships, hoping for Paralympic inclusion. He uses a tactile sight, blackout glasses, and relies on his support worker for feedback.

Peter Bennett, President of Twin City Archers, praises Griffiths' tenacity. With around a dozen VI archers nationally, the sport is growing. Griffiths' journey encourages others with disabilities to try new things and emphasizes the seriousness of diabetes management.

His goal is to make his granddaughter proud by competing globally.