Today the Cannonball tournament starts in Assen, an international sporting event for blind and visually impaired athletes. For four days on seven gaming tables, the prizes will be fought in the Sport Showdown.
The tournament is being organized for the fourth time by Showdown Association Cannonballs Assen (SVCA). This time it is an international, multi -day event for the first time. “Showdown is an adapted sport for blind and visually impaired people. You can actually compare the best with air hockey or table tennis,” explains Iris van der Zaag on behalf of the organizing committee.
“It is played on a container with raised edges and there is a goal on both sides. The intention is to get the ball to your opponent in the goal. And then completely by hearing, because all players are blind or visually impaired.”
According to Van der Zaag, the popularity of Showdown has increased considerably in recent years. “We also have a whole competition in the Netherlands. A lot is played in our country.” And that is also apparent at the Cannonball tournament. The first edition still took place in the building of Theaterschool Garage TDI, but De Bonte Wever is now the decor.
“Very special that it is so great now. It is what we have been able to check the largest international tournament ever organized in the Netherlands,” says Van der Zaag. “Participants from eight different countries are participating.”
The organization emphasizes accessibility during the tournament. “A special map of De Bonte Wever has been made, so you have a bit of an idea what the hotel looks like. And we have had lines laid out on the floor, as you see at train stations and at bus stops. This makes it easier for all participants to find their way in the hotel.”
For people who have become curious about Showdown, a clinic is on the program on Saturday. “Because I can very well imagine that you want to see what that is. We start at 12.15 pm and everyone can participate.”
Watch in this video how showdown is played: