Italy-Germany is more inclusive with ‘Connect Me Too’

Italy-Germany è more inclusive with 'Connect Me Too'

Italy-Germany, a match valid for the first leg of the Nations League quarterfinals, will also use 'Connect Me Too' an inclusive audio-description service that allows blind, visually impaired and visually multi-disabled fans to enjoy the sports experience directly at the stadium. The project is part of the initiatives that the FIGC is pursuing to spread the values of inclusion and accessibility and to increase the involvement of everyone.

In the match between the Azzurri and the Germans, scheduled for Thursday, March 20 at the Giuseppe Meazza stadium, Connect Me Too will therefore be active. The system, developed by CMT Translations, provides hyper-descriptive commentary through the voice of a specially trained professional who leaves out no aspect. The’audiodescriptor reports, with great fidelity, what is happening in the playing rectangle, on the bench, in the stands and describes every detail, for example, the detail of the jerseys worn or the haircut of the footballer on duty. The’goal è is to involve people with visual disabilities as much as possible and give them an unforgettable experience.

For the’occasion, among the audience, there will be 30 fans, invited by the’Istituto dei Ciechi di Milano and the’Real Eyes Sport association, who will sit in the first orange ring and will be able to enjoy, as never before, the match and the great emotions it arouses.

The’use of Connect me Too è very simple. The system, which is completely digital and relies on the 4G (or 5G) network, must be downloaded from the store (Apple Store or Play Store) to one’s smartphone. At that point, users, who will have to be in possession of their own headphones or earphones, will only have to request access to the National Team events and be authorized by the promoter of the service, in this case the FIGC.

"I have been following soccer since I was a child, despite being blind since birth. To experience such an important event with radio commentary for those who cannot see really means to fully enjoy what happens on the field without neglecting the energy and excitement that comes from the stands. So many times I è happened to be at the stadium and not realize what was happening on the field, thanks to this service instead everything changes. Ensuring greater accessibility to sporting events also for people with disabilities means building a better world for everyone and encouraging the approach of all citizens to sports that can give endless emotions", reports Daniele Cassioli, president of the Real Eyes Sport association and Paralympic water skiing champion.

"The Italy-Germany match on March 20 represents not only a historic football challenge, but also an opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to inclusivity. Through the “Connect Me Too” audiodescription service, we continue to partner with the FIGC to ensure that every fan, regardless of their visual abilities, can fully experience the excitement of the national team. È through initiatives such as these that sport becomes a universal language, capable of uniting and involving everyone without distinction", declares Tony D'Angelo, Business Development Manager and head of the Connect Me Too project powered by CMT Translations.

In recent years Connect Me Too è has been employed in multiple sporting occasions: by Serie A and B soccer clubs (Milan, Genoa, Inter, Lecce, Juventus, Reggiana, Hellas Verona) and, indeed, by the Italian national team, as well as by basketball teams (Pallacanestro Varese and Libertas Livorno) and the Italian National Rugby team.