The SHOWDOWN project aimed to facilitate and promote the participation of people with visual impairments in health-enhancing physical activities that improved their well-being and helped them build social connections within their communities. To achieve this, the project focused on the sport of Showdown—an inclusive game that welcomed participants of all genders, ages, and abilities.

The main output of the SHOWDOWN project was a comprehensive guide on how to organise safe and inclusive Showdown activities involving both individuals with and without visual impairments. The development of the guide began with identifying the needs of visually impaired individuals in relation to sports participation, collecting best practices, and training partner organisations on how to organise inclusive and safe Showdown games for mixed-ability groups.

Showdown proved especially beneficial for individuals with visual disabilities. Firstly, it offered a unique opportunity for them to engage in a sport and enjoy the physical benefits of regular activity, such as improved cardiovascular health, increased strength and endurance, and enhanced coordination. Secondly, the sport was inherently inclusive and accessible—it was played in a completely dark environment where players relied solely on their auditory senses to track the ball. This levelled the playing field, allowing all participants, regardless of the degree of visual impairment, to compete on equal terms. Lastly, Showdown had a significant positive impact on social and psychological well-being, helping to boost self-esteem, improve social skills, and enhance communication abilities.

These benefits were particularly important for people with visual impairments, who often faced social isolation and other challenges associated with their disability.