Inspired by a father’s wish to make sport fully inclusive for his visually impaired son, a groundbreaking audio platform will bring the FEI Para Dressage European Championships in Ermelo (NED) to life in September. Spectators will be able to follow every movement in the competition ring through live commentary streamed directly to their smartphones.
Founded by Dutch entrepreneur Richard Zwart, Gazeti is a platform that delivers live commentary through a simple hyperlink shared through social media, WhatsApp, or event apps.
The service is easy for everyone to access – no downloads or fees are required – and is being made possible with the support of the host province of Gelderland, which is providing technical services and expert commentators.
“Audio services for visually impaired fans exist in many stadiums, but you often have to sit in a specially designated area to receive the broadcast,” explains Zwart. “My son, Barend, wanted to sit with his friends and family, anywhere in the stadium. That inspired us to create a ‘web radio’ system that lets fans tune in from any seat.
“The biggest challenge was latency. Traditional solutions, like TV or standard radio, can lag 10 to 15 seconds, but in sport, crucial moments happen in an instant. Gazeti’s system has less than half a second of delay, making every key moment shared in real time and creating a truly inclusive spectator experience.”
Founder of Gazeti, Richard Zwart, with his son Barend at a Premier League football match in the Netherlands. (© Zwart family personal archives)
Inclusivity at the heart of the experience
While it may seem natural to expect this kind of system at a para sport event like the FEI Para Dressage European Championships, Gazeti’s philosophy is that sport should be inclusive for all spectators.
The platform makes it simple not only for people with visual impairments to enjoy the action alongside friends and family, but also for anyone curious or unfamiliar with the sport. Detailed audio commentary allows listeners to understand, appreciate, and engage with every movement, turning every spectator into an informed and connected fan.
“From the seamless communication between horse and athlete to the precise execution of each movement, every detail in a Para Dressage test tells a story in the arena,” said Event Director Adrianne van Waardenberg.
“The Organising Committee is proud to collaborate with Gazeti, not only for its support of visually impaired audiences and promotion of inclusivity, but also because its expert commentary helps all spectators appreciate the skill, strategy, and dedication behind each performance, bringing the artistry and athleticism of the sport to life.”
With the understanding that inclusive technology benefits everyone, Gazeti has already brought its innovation to sports including volleyball, football, rugby, and ice skating. This will be the first time that its services will be provided at an equestrian event.
During the FEI Para Dressage European Championships, spectators will be accompanied by expert commentary in Dutch and English provided by: Monique Peutz, international (para) judge and KNHS national coach, who will provide performance analysis; Paralympic medalist Frank Hosmar, offering a top-level insider perspective; former elite para rider Nicole den Dulk, sharing her expert knowledge; and Parawatcher Robin Wubben.
The live audio will be available from the afternoon of Thursday, 4 September through Sunday, 7 September via a direct link to Gazeti’s EC Para Dressage platform, enabling spectators to follow the competition from any location in the stands.
Gazeti link for FEI Para Dressage European Championships Ermelo 2025 HERE.
Accessibility at the forefront
“Innovations like Gazeti are helping make equestrian events more inclusive and equitable,” said FEI Secretary General and President of the Association of Paralympic Sports Organizations (APSO) Sabrina Ibáñez.
“The platform reflects the FEI’s commitment to accessibility, ensuring athletes, staff, and spectators of all abilities can fully participate in and enjoy equestrian sport. By removing barriers and providing real-time, accessible commentary, Gazeti allows everyone to experience the excitement of the competition, fostering a genuinely inclusive environment. It’s a clear example of how technology can make our events welcoming and engaging for all.”
That vision is also at the heart of the FEI Accessibility Guide for Event Organisers, published in 2023. Developed with experts and individuals with disabilities, the Guide offers practical recommendations on venue layout, transport, accommodation, and event operations to help organisers create environments where everyone feels included. Gazeti’s instant, barrier-free audio service is a strong illustration of how such principles can be put into practice.
“Gazeti is about more than sport or commentary,” added founder Richard Zwart. “It’s a chance to inspire organisers to consider accessibility in every aspect of an event. Accessibility shouldn’t be an afterthought; it should be instinctive, because sport belongs to everyone.”
More News
