Actionnaires get Blunsdon invite (From Swindon Advertiser)

Actionnaires get Blunsdon invite

10:20am Thursday 21st August 2008

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VISUALLY impaired children will enjoy all the thrills and spills of Elite League speedway tonight as special guests at Swindon’s ‘Summer of Speed’ family day, writes GARETH MOORHOUSE.

Youngsters from the Swindon Actionnaires group will be treated to live race commentary on the Robins versus Coventry Bees meeting, thanks to some revolutionary broadcast technology.

Robins’ Press officer Chris Seaward and Swindon Speedway meeting announcer Barrie Mathews will describe the on-track action using Access Audio – equipment designed for broadcasting to blind and partially sighted people at public events.

The Swindon Actionnaires has been set up by visual impairment charity, Action for the Blind, with support from Swindon Borough Council.

The primary aim of the group is to encourage visually impaired children to take part in a variety of sporting pursuits, either through participation or spectating.

Actionnaires club co-coordinator Ben Humphrey said: “Speedway is already very popular in Swindon and I would like to thank Swindon Speedway for supporting the Actionnaires and making the event truly inclusive for the whole community.

“It is vital that our members have the opportunity to enjoy all sporting events in the region.”

Swindon Speedway commercial manager Paul Oughton, pictured above, said: “When I was first approached by Action for the Blind regarding some of their children attending the speedway I wanted to offer them a great sporting experience.

“I was aware of Royal National Institute for the Blind (RNIB) soccer sight programme and how they use live commentary to enhance the experience.”

• LAST night’s Elite League Riders Championship at Perry Barr was postponed due to a waterlogged track. No reserve date has yet been set.

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