Group Picture of ticket holders and their support companions in the stands after the match
For many sports fans, the thrill of attending a live game is an unforgettable experience. For Kiwis, experiencing the All Blacks at Eden Park is almost a rite of passage. However, for people who are blind or have low vision, enjoying the game can be a significant challenge. In a recent initiative to make live sports more inclusive, on Saturday, August 17th, Blind Sport employed the services of Audio Described Aotearoa, thanks to the collaborative support of NZ Rugby, Variety – the Childrens Charity, Sport NZ and the Ministerial Discretionary Fund. This service allowed 9 low vision and blind youth to fully engage with the game. The response from attendees was overwhelmingly positive, showcasing the transformative power of accessibility in sports.
Transforming the Game Day Experience
Audio Description is a specialist form of commentary that provides blind and vision-impaired listeners with detailed descriptions of everything occurring on the field and far surpasses the level of detail in traditional broadcast commentary. The aim of audio describers is to keep up with play to the second, focusing on the sporting action while also providing extra details that sighted viewers may take for granted, such as presentations, ceremonies, the strips being worn, discussions between officials, and everything else of note that happens in live sport.
Photo of Kyren in the stands from a birds eye point of view. Wearing headphones and holding Audio description equipment.
For some attendees, this was their first time at a live rugby match, and the audio description service was a game-changer. Megan Warin-Webster, who had never attended a rugby game before, described the experience as "amazing." Previously, she had struggled to follow the game because she couldn't understand what was happening on the field. However, with the help of audio description, she was able to enjoy the game and immerse herself in the electric atmosphere.
Similarly, Riley Dexter emphasized how crucial the audio description was in helping him follow the game. "It meant I could understand the plays and keep track of the gameplay and where the area of the field was," he said. The service not only allowed him to enjoy the game but also contributed to the overall excitement of being in a stadium full of passionate fans.
For Ethan, the event was about feeling the energy of the crowd. "There was a huge difference when going to the All Blacks game with my family in Hamilton without audio description. I found the audio description very helpful because I was able to engage with the rest of the crowd," he shared. He particularly enjoyed the buildup with the haka and anthems, as well as the overall atmosphere throughout the game.
Inclusion and Accessibility at the Forefront
The introduction of audio description didn’t just enhance the game-day experience—it made the event truly inclusive. Justine Cormack, who attended the game with her daughter Olivia, highlighted how the service allowed Olivia to fully participate in the excitement of a large sporting event for the first time. "Normally this part of the sporting experience is just completely unavailable to her," Justine explained, noting how Olivia often misses out on the full experience due to her vision loss. The audio description enabled Olivia to not only enjoy the game but also feel a part of the crowd's energy.
Ben Styles echoed these sentiments, sharing that without the audio description, it was difficult to understand what was happening on the field. The delayed screen and lack of commentators made it hard to follow the action. However, the live audio commentary provided real-time updates that completely changed his experience. "I think they should do it again," Ben said, emphasizing the value of the service.
Kyren, who attended the match to see the All Blacks, found the entire experience exhilarating. "I enjoyed the sound of 50,000 people going crazy when the All Blacks scored goals as well as the sound of the Haka. The audio description was very good," he shared, adding that the voices were clear through the headset, allowing him to keep up with the game even amidst the crowd's noise.
Audio Describer Kevin, speaking into the microphone and reading from a script in the stands
Lisa Todd also highlighted the social aspect of the event, saying, "Being part of this exciting event and spending time with a great group of people made the experience even more enjoyable."
A Call for More Audio-Described Events
The success of this event has sparked a strong interest in expanding audio description services to other sports and events. Participants expressed a keen desire to attend more games, including cricket, netball, football, and tennis, with similar accessibility features. Olivia Cormack Neto, a dedicated sports fan, is particularly excited about the possibility of bringing more friends to future audio-described events, underscoring the potential for growing this initiative.
Justine Cormack suggested that audio description should become a standard offering for large international events, such as the FIFA Women’s Football World Cup, and noted the importance of high-quality commentary in enhancing the experience. In the UK, it is becoming increasingly common for professional football clubs to offer audio description at all matches—not just one-offs—setting a benchmark for other venues to follow.
Kyren passionately stated, "I would say any and all sports that can be made accessible like this should be. Please keep going."
Final Thoughts
Silhouettes of participants Ethan and Bradley cheering on in the stands looking out toward the field.
The audio-described rugby game was a resounding success, offering fans with vision loss an opportunity to fully engage with a live sporting event. The feedback from attendees underscores the importance of making sports more accessible and inclusive. As demand for these services grows, there is a clear opportunity to expand audio description to a wider range of sports, ensuring that all fans can share in the excitement of the game.
As the world of sports continues to evolve, it’s crucial that organizers prioritize accessibility and inclusivity. The positive response to this audio-described rugby game is a testament to the impact that thoughtful, inclusive initiatives can have on fans. By expanding these services to other sports and events, we can ensure that everyone has the opportunity to experience the thrill of live sports.