Blind swimmer home to a hero's welcome

Irish blind swimmer Stephen Campbell who scooped a silver medal at the International Blind Sports World Games returns home to a hero’s welcome today.

The 21-year-old from Cookstown, Co Tyrone, will be greeted by family and friends at Dublin Airport after his world-class performance representing Ireland at the international tournament.

The athlete, who lost his sight at the age of 16, was one of 1,700 participants from 66 countries at the six-day games held in the cities of Sao Paulo and Sao Caetano do Sul in Brazil.

He picked up silver for his country in the final of the 200 metres individual medley.

Blind sportsmen and women from across the globe competed in six sports including athletics, goalball, judo, swimming, powerlifting, and football during what was only the third event of its kind.

The Blind Sports World Games were created to promote the integration of visually impaired athletes across the world.

Campbell was supported by Irish Blind Sports, the official national governing body with responsibility for organising sporting activities for blind and visually impaired people in Ireland.