People in Bermuda with sight issues will be able to take part in a sport that can build confidence and grant them an opportunity to enjoy an activity where vision is no barrier, the head of a charity said.

Erica Ingemann, the executive director of Vision Bermuda, hailed the benefits of showdown — a sport for people who are blind and those who have vision impairment issues — after the charity received a specially designed table to play the game.

The charity was given the table — said to be the first in Bermuda — by the Lady Cubitt Compassionate Association.

It was officially unveiled during a ceremony at the Vision Bermuda offices in Hamilton yesterday ahead of World Sight Day today.

Estelle Roos, a vice-captain of the Coventry Comets Showdown Club in Britain, and Matt Johnson, a player of the club, are visiting the island to teach people how to play the game.

Showdown, which came into being around 1977 in Canada, is played recreationally and competitively under the rules of the International Blind Sports Association.

It is similar to table tennis with two players competing on a rectangular table with a special “audible” ball, a centre board screen and goal pockets on each of the short sides.

Ms Ingemann said: “The showdown table gives people who are blind or visually impaired a fun, welcoming way to connect, build confidence and enjoy an activity where vision is not a barrier.”

She said the sport was not confined to those with vision issues.

“It also creates an opportunity for the wider community to experience an inclusive sport and better understand what it means to live with vision loss,” she added.

Ms Ingemann said as part of its mandate to the community, Vision Bermuda had considered procuring the table “for some time”.

She thanked the LCCA for its support and added: “To have a donor come forward and specifically provide the funds to make it happen is incredibly meaningful to us.

“We are excited to see people enjoy the table, connect with one another and discover a new activity that is accessible to everyone, regardless of their level of vision.

“We are ever grateful to the LCCA for this generous donation. It is incredibly meaningful to see a vision we have had for some time become a reality.

“We are excited about the opportunities the showdown table will bring to our clients and the wider community.”

Marisa Howard, the executive director of the LCCA, said that the charity was pleased to have donated $15,000 to Vision Bermuda for the purchase of the table.

She noted: “We have worked together to support various clients over the years and we have seen an increase in the number of people needing assistance with eye care costs.

“This has reinforced how much we value our relationship with Vision Bermuda and the work they do.

“Our board was more than happy to support this initiative, providing something that Vision Bermuda’s clients can enjoy for years to come.

“We look forward to continuing our work together to support our community.”

Vision Bermuda plans to include showdown in its programme, giving clients the opportunity to try something new, learn a sport and develop skills in a fun and social setting.

Ms Ingemann said: “We hope it will become an activity that our clients enjoy and look forward to, while providing opportunities to build confidence, connect with others and, for those who really enjoy it, develop their skills further.

“To our knowledge, this is the first showdown table in Bermuda and we are excited to see where it takes us.”

Vision Bermuda invited interest from volunteers to become showdown coaches, who would have an opportunity to learn the sport, support Vision Bermuda’s clients and help develop their skills and confidence.

“We would love to hear from anyone in the community who is interested in getting involved and helping us grow showdown in Bermuda,” Ms Ingemann said.

“We hope it will grow beyond our walls, bringing people together, encouraging inclusion and perhaps even inspiring future international showdown players from Bermuda,” she added.