Blind Sports & Recreation Victoria (BSRV) was thrilled to deliver the Shepparton Blind/Low Vision Tennis Come & Try Day on Saturday 22nd November, welcoming 20 participants including people with vision loss, their families, support staff, local club members, and community dignitaries. The event began with warm welcomes and introductions before Mayor Shane Sali shared a few words about the importance of inclusive sport and creating opportunities for people with disability across Greater Shepparton.
Professional Blind/Low Vision Tennis players Rob, Adam, Jasper and Sarah facilitated the session, guiding participants through the modified features of Blind/Low Vision Tennis such as tactile court lines, audible balls, adjusted bounce allowances and smaller court dimensions.
Mayor Shane Sali, Deputy Mayor Geoff Akers, Cr Fern Summer and Cr Anthony Brophy embraced the opportunity to experience vision loss and each tried on vision-loss simulation glasses representing common eye conditions. They then took to the court to experience Blind/Low Vision Tennis from these perspectives, gaining valuable insight into the challenges and adaptations used by players. Federal Member for Nicholls, Sam Birrell MP, also attended and participated in the simulation activities before addressing the group during the formal proceedings.
The day offered even more opportunities for inclusive sport thanks to Simon Fox from Goulburn Valley Gangarru Parasports, who provided wheelchair tennis demonstrations and supported participants to have a go themselves. This addition gave attendees a broader understanding of the range of adaptive sports available in the region.
Following an active and engaging morning on court, participants enjoyed a relaxed barbecue lunch before coming together for speeches and presentations. Every player received their own Blind Tennis ball to take home—a gesture that many described as meaningful and motivating as they considered continuing with the sport.
Participants commented on how welcoming and inclusive the environment felt, with many highlighting the enjoyment of learning a new sport in a supportive setting. Other common themes included appreciating the chance to meet new people, watching vision-loss and sighted participants play together, and enjoying a day that was described as fun, smooth-running, socially engaging and full of connection.
Some feedback from participants:
“I enjoyed seeing the interaction between low vision and sighted participants.”
“The day was fun, entertaining, and a great networking opportunity.”
“Everyone was so welcoming. I loved the social interaction and meeting new people.”
“Learning how blind tennis is played was such a great experience.”
“The day ran smoothly. Tegan is always amazing — and so were the volunteers.”
“It was a beautiful day for it. I really enjoyed myself and everyone was so nice.”
BSRV extends sincere thanks to the State Trustees Australia Foundation this event, whose support made the program possible. Deep appreciation also goes to Greg, Murray and the team at McEwen Tennis Reserve for hosting the day and assisting throughout the planning stages.
BSRV also acknowledges and thanks Mayor Shane Sali, Greater Shepparton City Councillors Fern Summer, Anthony Brophy and Geoff Akers, and Federal Member for Nicholls Sam Birrell MP for their openness and willingness to experience Blind/Low Vision Tennis firsthand, as well as for their valuable contributions through speaking and engaging with participants.
Sincere thanks are also extended to Simon Fox for his support, for highlighting wheelchair tennis as an additional inclusive sport option, and for being an active part of the day. Finally, BSRV recognises facilitators Rob, Adam, Jasper and Sarah for sharing their expertise, passion and lived experience to create an inspiring and educational event for all involved.
Proudly supported by State Trustees Australia Foundation.
