4 minute read
Blind Tennis Opens Opportunities
For some, it may seem farfetched that people with vision impairments can play tennis—let alone compete in international Blind Tennis tournaments. Yet this is reality for these tennis players, who enjoy sharing their love of the game and thirsting for success on the international stage.
The Blind Tennis program was first trialled by Blind Sports and Recreation Victoria (BSRV) and Tennis Victoria more than 10 years ago, and has since grown to become hugely popular. Participants become active and social, with some pursuing their dreams of playing at an elite level.
The president of BSRV and the International Blind Tennis Association, Maurice Gleeson, “people with vision impairment, especially with acquired vision loss, often don’t cope with it and withdraw but blind tennis has opened up a new world.”
Blind Tennis follows the same rules as mainstream tennis, with a few modifications including a lower net, smaller and lighter racquets, the number of bounces (depending on category), and a foam ball that rattles so players can hear where it is. Volunteers are integral to ensuring a quality experience.
There are four categories from B1 to B4, with B1 players being fully blind. This levels the playing field so players can have fun and success on the court.
Adam Fayad is one player undefined by his disability who is hitting winners. Adam was born with Stargardt disease, a rare condition that degenerates the macula in his eyes,
Blind Sports and Recreation Victoria
leading to progressive blindness. After giving up tennis when he was 12 and becoming self-conscious with his performance, he picked up his racquet again in his 40s—going on to compete in three international Blind Tennis tournaments as a top-ranked player.
“My goal and my dream is to become a professional player,” Adam said. “I’m continually working hard on my fitness, and Blind Tennis has shown me my goals can become reality. The mental and physical benefits of the Blind Tennis program for me are numerous, including a wonderful social network, increasing my tennis skills, representing my country at international tournaments, increased happiness, and better self-confidence—just to name a few!”
“Until the development of the program,” Maurice said, “people with total blindness had no access to any kind of tennis activity. Now people from a wide range of backgrounds and ages are participating, including juniors, teens, and adults. It is a great opportunity for people to try something different. Initially some people are concerned that they won’t be very good, but our focus is on participation, not necessarily ability level.”
Tennis Australia has documented some of the physical and mental health benefits for Adam and others in this short video: youtu.be/UShv9PMUwfY About the Author BSRV enhances the lives of blind or visionimpaired people throughout Victoria through sport and recreation. Since its For further information, and to get involved in Blind Tennis, visit the Tennis Australia website: https://www.tennis.com.au/play/ inclusion-and-diversity/blind-players
Adam Fayad
establishment in 1977, it has evolved into a small but thriving charity that is setting the benchmark for blind sport and recreation in Australia. Supporting more than 1200 members, it encourages people of all ages and backgrounds to lead more healthy and active lifestyles.
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