Christos Cypreou has a lot to thank for taking up sport. Becoming blind 14 years ago after battling chronic illness, Cypreou says playing tennis has given him a new lease on life.
“After I lost my sight I thought a lot of things would not work out for me because of the sight difficulties but coming to blind sports has really changed my life,” he told SBS.
He says his confidence has returned, so much so that he’s hoping one day he can turn professional.
“I want to get to that international level, I’m working really hard at that,” he says.
While disabled tennis is nothing new, blind tennis is actually a developing sport in Australia.
Blind Sports Victoria has a six-week vision impaired tennis program that it offers four times a year. Tennis is just one of four blind sports the organisation offers, including golf, cricket and football.
For tennis, various types of balls are used, including audible tennis balls and various size and colour balls.
Players warn each other when the ball has been served, and more bounces are allowed before the ball is returned depending on the vision capabilities of the player.
“Initially, some people are concerned that they won’t be very good, but our focus is on participation, not necessarily ability level,” Maurice Gleeson, president of Blind Sports Victoria says.
The only internationally-recognised league for the vision impaired is organised by Blind Sports Australia, which hopes to hold Australia’s first blind tennis open with Japan next year. It hopes to one day get the sport recognised in the Paralympics.
Those interested in participating in the program or who would like to volunteer time to assist can contact Susan at the Blind Sports Victoria office on 9822 8876 or email info@blindsports.org.au