CAFE is delighted to be celebrating the CAFE Week of Action once again with our friends Blind Power, who will be providing audio-descriptive commentary at a number of matches in Switzerland.

Since summer 2016, Blind Power has delivered audio-descriptive commentary at games in the Swiss Raiffeisen Super League, allowing partially sighted and blind fans to enjoy an inclusive matchday experience alongside their fellow fans.

Audio-descriptive commentary is a dedicated service that can be of particular benefit to partially sighted and blind people, though many other disabled and non-disabled football fans have reported how the service has enhanced their experiences of watching live matches.

The specially-trained commentators explain all of the action in a far greater level of detail, including colours, atmosphere, pitch location and movement. This helps to paint a better picture of the match as it unfolds, in turn supporting partially sighted and blind fans to be fully aware of what is going on around them.

Blind Power's Yves Kilchoer, who leads this project and is himself partially sighted, said, "Audio-description is very helpful for blind and partially sighted listeners. Football is Switzerland's most important sport, attracting thousands of fans to stadiums every week. With this service, partially sighted and blind fans are able to follow the game better and discuss the action with their family and friends at full time".

During the CAFE Week of Action, Blind Power will be providing audio-descriptive commentary at the following matches:

Saturday, 02.03.2019, 19:00: BSC Young Boys vs FC Sion

Saturday, 02.03.2019, 19:00: Grasshopper Club Zürich vs FC Luzern

Sunday, 03.03.2019, 16:00: FC Basel vs FC Thun

Sunday, 03.03.2019, 16:00: St.Gallen vs Neuchâtel Xamax FCS

Saturday, 09.03.2019, 19:00: Grasshopper Club Zürich vs BSC Young Boys

Saturday, 09.03.2019, 19:00: Neuchâtel Xamax FCS vs FC Sion

Sunday, 10.03.2019, 16:00: FC Luzern vs FC St.Gallen

Sunday, 10.03.2019, 16:00: FC Thun vs FC Zürich

Listeners can tune in online to the audio-descriptive commentary of each match by visiting www.blindpower.ch. Further information can also be found on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/blindpoweraudioplattform or via YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjn392jHppzPhmOShVzpZBA.

Blind Power delivers audio-descriptive commentary in partnership with the Swiss Super League and its naming rights sponsor.

"The Swiss Super League as well as their biggest sponsor promote the inclusion of partially sighted people and blind every week, setting an ideal example for others to follow. We are delighted to participate in the CAFE Week of Action, and we want this sport to be accessible for everybody", added Yves.

For more information about the CAFE Week of Action, and for ideas on how you can get involved, please download the CAFE Week of Action 2019 information pack here (available in 6 languages).

Published 01/03/2019