Enjoying the quarter-finals at the ABNO AMRO Open Tennis Tournament while having a visual impairment. This week, it is possible in Ahoy. The tennis tournament has a special blind tribune set up.
20 years ago, Nicolettaa Roggen (62) began experiencing eye problems. Since then, it seems like shes looking through a small tunnel. Yet this year, Roggen is at a tennis match at the ABN AMRO Open. For the first time, theres a special blind tribune, with 40 reserved seats for visitors with visual impairments.
At the entrance of Rotterdam Ahoy, she receives headphones from foundation Komt het Zien. Through these headphones, she can listen to the match commentary. The special blind tribune is located at the top of the first ring. Roggen explains: ‘I can see the light shining on the tennis court, but I cant see lines or where the players are moving.’
He looks good
The match commentator sits further along in his own booth. During a tennis match, it is often quiet in the arena. In his booth, the commentator can speak enthusiastically without disturbing anyone. The commentator provides many details about the match, making it extra visual for the spectators. Roggen listens attentively: ‘I hear him talk about the bright orange tennis racket of the Italian Mattia Bellucci. According to the reporter, he apparently looks very good, haha.’ Curiously, Roggen asks the spectator next to her what Belucci looks like. ‘Athletic, well-trained with a bun in his hair.’
(Text continues below the images. Photos by Thomas Bakker.)
The audience sets the atmosphere
At the beginning of the match, it is quite exciting to see which tennis player will win. Is it Bellucci or his Greek opponent Stéfanos Tsitsipás? The commentator conveys the matchs excitement well. The audience adds something extra during standout moments. Roggen takes off her headphones for a moment. ‘From the applause and the audiences excitement, I understand that a very nice ball was hit. And when people clap their hands quickly, I know its match point. The atmosphere makes it extra fun to be there live!’
Eventually, Bellucci wins the quarter-final in two sets. There is loud applause. Roggen: ‘This was very different from watching a match on TV. It feels much more visual. I can follow the match and also experience the arenas atmosphere. The blind tribune is a must for anyone who has visual impairments!’
More accessible to more people
The Municipality of Rotterdam believes it is important that major sporting events are accessible to everyone. For instance, by offering wheelchair spaces or a special blind tribune. The ticket sales for these tribunes should be easily found on the website. This year, theres also a sensory-friendly room in Ahoy. Spectators who are more sensitive to stimuli can take a break there. The room has a couch, the lights are dimmed, and the match can still be followed on TV with the sound low.
Certificate
The fact that the ABN AMRO Open has done more to provide a place for people with disabilities has not gone unnoticed. The municipality awarded the organization with a Accessible Location certificate.