Commentary for blind spectators
For the fourth consecutive summer MCC will be providing all blind and partially-sighted spectators at the Home of Cricket with ball-by-ball commentary.
Lord’s is the only ground in the world which provides in-ground commentaries for blind and partially-sighted spectators for every single match.
On their visit to NW8, fans can listen to the musings of BBC commentators on major international and county matches. However for those matches at Lord’s not covered by the BBC, MCC’s own band of volunteer commentators step into the Investec Media Centre and provide coverage both to spectators in the ground and to the wider world through live streaming on MCC’s website – www.lord’s.org.
Lord’s is the only ground which provides in-ground commentaries for blind and partially-sighted spectators
On the 9 April – the first day of the 2009 season – MCC organised a successful open day for over 30 blind and partially-sighted charity and sports group leaders and members. The aim of the day was to raise the profile of the service and let people experience a day out at Lord’s and the commentary for themselves. The widespread praise the commentary received gave us encouragement that more blind and partially-sighted cricket fans will come through Lord’s’ gates this season.
The volunteer commentators, who come from across the country and share such diverse occupations as acting and accountancy, are bound by a mutual love of cricket. Some see it purely as an enjoyable and philanthropic hobby, others have used the experience they have gained from providing the service to go on to professional commentary work.
The success of the commentary for blind and partially-sighted fans is such that other county grounds are investigating the provision of it. A service that was originally intended to bring commentary to blind and partially-sighted spectators within the confines of Lord’s has now evolved to be broadcast over the web to cricket lovers around the world.
Highlights this year include England’s Women’s World Cup winners taking on Australia on 7 July and the npower Village Cup Final on 14 September.
Blind and partially-sighted fans can obtain a headset and receiver, for free, from any Lord’s steward.
