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Newcastle United fans who have hearing impairment or are deaf got to experience the new stadium atmosphere over the weekend, thanks to the new vibrating kit.
As per BBC ReportThe new “haptic kit” is the result of a collaboration between Newcastle sponsors Sela and the Royal National Institute for the Deaf in the United Kingdom, called Unsilence the Crowd. Sensors vibrate to indicate when an action is taking place.
On Saturday, when Newcastle United played Tottenham Hotspur, supporters tried on the new kits for the very first time.
“It’s really good for the deaf to be able to feel included — to feel connected and part of it,” Newcastle supporters Ryan Gregson and David Wilson told BBC Radio Newcastle through an interpreter. We can feel the excitement, the cheering, the fans, the jumps, etc., but we would love to be able to experience it.
RNID director for inclusion Teri Devine told the BBC the new technology could have “a real and lasting impact” for sports fans who are deaf or have hearing loss. Newcastle Chief Commercial Officer Peter Silverstone stated that Unsilence the crowd could “game-change football.”
Silverstone: “When Sela first shared with us the idea behind the haptic clothing, we were immediately on board, as it was clear that the shirt would be a great help to those who have deafness or hearing loss.”
Sela — a sports event company based in Saudi Arabia — has committed to making the technology available to fans who need it at all future Newcastle games at their home stadium, St. James’ Park.
Ibrahim Mohtaseb is the senior vice-president of Sela. He told BBC that St James’ Park was known for its passion and noise. We hope that this initiative will allow deaf or hearing impaired fans to be a part.
Sela has also given its shirt front sponsorship to RNID in Saturday’s match with Tottenham.
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