The Blind Stand helps visually impaired people to enjoy the game
Since the start of the 2019-2020 season, FC Emmen has a special section in the grandstand of De Oude Meerdijk stadium. This special section is a place where visually impaired people and their companions can enjoy a football match with the help of audio equipment. At De Oude Meerdijk, the six partially sighted or blind football fans among the regular audience can in this way experience a match live in the stadium. Through the audio equipment, they are continuously informed about what is happening on the pitch.
“The last weeks before the championship were really unique. Via other supporters in the stadium we received the scores of other matches. I have never experienced that before and it creates a bond. It made the atmosphere even better. (…)”It is a special experience every time. You get to see more than on television, because you are there”.
Lammert de Jong, a visually impaired FC Emmen fan
Lammert joined the blind stand a few years ago via an appeal. He often goes along with Gijs Jan Hooijer, who accompanies him to the matches. The two of them travel easily on a tandem from home to De Oude Meerdijk for home matches. For Gijs Jan it is all very normal.
“Sometimes I am convinced that Lammert is not blind at all. He can tell us which way to go when we are cycling, driving or walking. His sense of where he is is very strong. Nothing stops him. I still learn from him every time. For example, always look at someone who is blind. That person is also looking at you when they are talking. How you want to be approached is how you approach someone else, I always say”.
Gijs Jan Hooijer, Lammert’s companion
With all his life experience, Lammert makes the best of his disability. Partly because of the blind stand, he remains part of society and enjoys playing football. To be able to follow one of his favourite hobbies at a club like FC Emmen remains a wonderful experience full of pleasure every time..
Aris Limassol FC Social, Environmental, and Health Initiatives
