Sandra Knight of Burwood East, Chris Cypreou of Airport West, Hawthorn East’s Michael Fogarty, Genamarie Richards of North Melbourne and Coburg’s Adam Fayad are about to jet to Spain for the inaugural International Blind Tennis Tournament from 6 to 13 May.
The results from the tournament will determine the sport’s first world rankings.
The five have varying levels of vision but are all legally blind. Some use a seeing eye dog or other aids to assist their mobility.
The game was invented in Japan in 1984 by Miyoshi Takei, a blind high school student, with players using a ball with an audible bell and whatever vision they may have to play.
Blind Sports and Recreation Victoria has worked tirelessly to adapt the mainstream game to suit the low vision community. BSRV president Maurice Gleeson OAM says he’s thrilled about the development of blind tennis and the first international tournament.
“I am very excited that, after years of advocating for blind tennis programs to become mainstream in Australia, we have now reached international level,” he says.
“It’s clear that blind tennis is gaining momentum and interest in Australia and across the world. This can only be a good thing for blind sports.”
Coach Samir Mahir says he thinks the Australian team will make a strong showing. “I'm confident they will do well and learn from this great opportunity to travel to Spain,” he says.
“Tennis is a sport that builds confidence and independence. The players have to rely on themselves on the court; they need to persevere to train and improve.
“Tennis, and sport in general, is also a great way to socialise and interact with people from diverse backgrounds.”
Sandra Knight, 59, a grandmother who always wanted to emulate Australia’s tennis greats, says she adores the sport.
“When I was in secondary school, my friends would sometimes book a court and have a game of tennis at lunchtime. I’d go with them and sit and eat while they played. It always sounded like they had a great time. I really enjoy the blind tennis program because it gives me a chance to participate in a sport that I thought I would never be able to play. I never thought I would be playing on the international tennis circuit. It’s amazing!”
Chris Cypreou was forced to give up Aussie Rules football because of sight complications caused by a chronic illness but always dreamed of a professional sporting career.
“I'm working really hard to improve my game. I enjoy the competitiveness, but it is also great fun,” he says.
Genamarie Richards, who never considered herself sporty even before optic nerve damage greatly reduced her vision, says blind tennis has changed her outlook.
“I love being able to tell people that I play sport! It has given me a sense of freedom, confidence and independence. My only wish is that I was given this opportunity when I was a child,” she says.
Michael Fogarty, who also competes at state level in swish (a modified form of table tennis) and rides tandem bikes, says he can’t wait for Spain.
“I’m very excited. They tell me Spain is a wonderful place to visit and it will be a great chance to play, and meet people and have fun.”
Adam Fayad says the team has been quietly fundraising to make sure they get their chance to play in Spain.
“We have all worked hard to get ready for the tournament. It’s very exciting for everyone.”
Blind Sports and Recreation Victoria was established in 1977 and serves more than 1200 Victorians who are blind or have low vision in a range of sports and activities including tennis, swimming, indoor bias bowls, athletics, ten pin bowling, snow skiing, swish, gymnastics, blind soccer, lawn bowls, square dancing, walking and more.
Donations: BSRV is seeking donations to help send the blind athletes to Spain. To help, go to the team's My Cause fundraising page here or phone Susan Marshall at BSRV on (03) 9822 8876. All donations are tax-deductible.