Everyone deserves to experience the thrill of handball

During the match between the Netherlands and Austria at the IHF Women’s Handball World Championship 2025, I had the opportunity to provide audio description as a co-commentator via Gazeti. It was a truly special experience. As a former elite athlete and world champion in 2019, I’m used to being on the handball court myself, but this time I experienced the game in a completely different way.

What matters most to me is that everyone can experience the excitement of handball and that no one is excluded. Everyone should feel genuinely part of the event. Thanks to Gazeti, fans with a visual impairment were able to enjoy the match live in Ahoy, together with their friends and family. No radio commentary with seconds of delay, but real-time description, allowing the emotions on the court to truly come through.

I really enjoyed sharing my handball knowledge in this way. For example, explaining what is discussed during time-outs, the tactical choices in attack or defense, and what we as players pick up from the atmosphere in the arena. How special it is to share those details, so everyone can experience the same tension and energy that I once felt on the court.

This experience showed me how valuable technology can be when it enables more people to fully enjoy an event. Gazeti doesn’t just provide information; it creates a richer experience, stronger connection, and a true sense of belonging.

I’m proud and grateful that I was able to contribute to this.

Laura van der Heijden

For F1 enthusiasts with and without visual impairments

Walter Tempelman, commentator Dutch GP Zandvoort

It’s an honor to describe Verstappen’s overtaking maneuvers for the Formula 1 team in Zandvoort. There are sports that seem designed to be enjoyed simultaneously with all the senses. Formula 1, and motorsports, is one such sport. The sound of the engines is an essential part of the experience.

Audiodescription makes it more fun for me

Hennie, visitor The Voice of Holland TV show

It makes everything so much more fun; I’d go again in a heartbeat. By the end of the evening, I knew one thing for sure: I want to do this again. Audio description makes an evening like this not only more accessible for me, but also much more enjoyable.

Vision for inclusivity

Daniel Schober, Pioneer of the audio stand

Daniel emphasizes a tailored approach for each club: talk to the target group, adapt infrastructure (large stadium vs. amateur field), and utilize local networks for sponsorship or internships. Daniel is also eager to contribute his years of experience and dedication to the visually impaired and blind target group.

As soon the headset goes on there is focus

SC Heerenveen, Linde Dijk As soon teh headset goed on there is focus

Bringing the Abe Lenstra Stadium to life with an audio report. In her employer’s anniversary magazine, she talked about a hobby that always elicits curious reactions: her volunteer work as a football commentator for blind and partially sighted SC Heerenveen supporters.

Everyone deserves to experience the thrill of handball

Laura van der Heijden, co-commentator WK Handbal

During the Netherlands-Austria match at the 2025 IHF Women’s Handball World Championship, I was allowed to provide the audio description as a co-commentator via Gazeti

For me, Gazeti has been a real eye-opener

Enthusiastic fan

For me, Gazeti is a real eye-opener. What surprised me just as much is the background information shared throughout. For example, I just heard that a Dutch player briefly lost consciousness in a collision in another match. And that this is already Polman’s 200th match.