Daria and Luke Saville join BSRV as Patrons to the Victorian Blind Tennis Program.
Driving Vision: Tennis Champions rally behind BSRV's Blind Tennis Program.
Blind Sports & Recreation Victoria (BSRV) is delighted to announce the appointment of professional tennis players, Daria and Luke Saville as Patrons to the Victorian Blind Tennis program.
This partnership represents a significant step in our journey towards raising awareness and promoting inclusivity, while fostering opportunities for individuals who are blind and vision impaired. Their passion for tennis, coupled with their genuine dedication to making a positive impact in the community, aligns with the values of our Victorian Blind Tennis program.
Maurice Gleeson OAM, President of BSRV said "We have confirmed the appointment of Daria and Luke as Patrons of our blind tennis program, which has helped change the lives of so many people who are blind and vision impaired over the past 15 years. In their new role, Daria and Luke will help to raise awareness of the program and the wonderful abilities of our players. Together, we are poised to inspire change, challenge perceptions, and pave the way for a more inclusive future in tennis."
Big smiles all around when Daria and Luke came to visit the Blind Tennis Program participants and volunteers at the National Tennis Centre on Friday 9th August, 2024.
Fresh from the Lexington Challenger and Olympic Games, and with just a week at home before heading to the US Open, BSRV’s Blind Tennis Patrons, Luke and Daria Saville, gifted us something truly invaluable; their time.
For two hours our community was made to feel like the very centre of their world.
Luke and Daria took the time to meet every player, share smiles for photos, and answer a myriad of questions about life on the professional tennis circuit. Whether it was about packing clothes for long trips, managing the pressures of the game, or admitting to the guilty pleasures of comfort food, they answered each question with genuine warmth and candour.
BSRV could not ask for more sincere, genuine, and caring patrons. Daria’s warmth shone through as she sat on the court, playing with off-duty assistance dogs while sharing stories about her own beloved dog, Tofu. Meanwhile, Luke offered heartfelt advice to anyone who asked, his sincerity evident in every word.
The evening reached a joyful peak when Daria teamed up with Caroline, and Luke with Jasper for a spirited round of doubles. Patrons donned simulation glasses, and our players wore their pride on their sleeves. On this special night, everyone felt like a winner.
What made this visit even more special was that it was initiated by Luke and Daria themselves, who made space in their incredibly busy schedules for us. It was a privilege and a night that our community will treasure for a long time to come.
Written by Rob Fletcher, BSRV Ambassador and BLV Tennis player.
Caroline Lane, Daria’s doubles partner, said "What an absolute blast! Playing doubles with these tennis champs was an amazing experience — Jasper and I couldn't wipe the smiles off our faces! It was a lot of fun watching Daria and Luke navigate the VI glasses, struggling to hit shots they would never normally miss."
Images: Posing for group photos are BSRV Blind Tennis participants with Daria and Luke Saville taken at the National Tennis Centre indoor courts. A group standing on court around Daria and Luke while having a chat. Daria, Luke, Caroline and Jasper on court playing doubles. Daria and Luke are wearing vision impairment simulation glasses to even the playing field.
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